On Monday afternoon, May 12, 2025, the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, hosted the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), led by Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo at her residence in Kyadondi Nakasero. The meeting focused on strengthening trade relations and unlocking mutual economic growth.
Rwabwogo raised concerns about non-tariff barriers, particularly the challenges Ugandan exporters face in meeting UK market certification standards, despite Uganda’s duty-free access to the UK. He emphasized that the UK is a priority market for PACEID.
Odrek Rwabwogo with H.E. Lisa Chesney, UK High Commissioner to Uganda at her residence in Nakasero on Monday afternoon
He also outlined PACEID’s strategy for increasing Uganda’s exports by USD 6 billion by 2028, anchored on four key pillars:
- Market development
- Product standards
- Export infrastructure
- Export financing
Another long-term goal is the creation of one million jobs by 2034.
High Commissioner Chesney expressed interest in PACEID’s priority products and markets to achieve these targets. She affirmed the UK’s support in areas of shared interest, such as enhancing value addition, leveraging Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London, and strengthening existing trade frameworks.
Odrek Rwabwogo hands over a gift to H.E. Lisa Chesney
“The UK is well positioned to support Uganda. What matters to you, matters to us,” she said, noting that growth in the services sector could accelerate job creation.
Rwabwogo was with Matthew Bagonza, Head of Secretariat, Head of Markets Rowena Twesigye and Rowland Nkahebwa, Communications.
On H.E. Chesney’s team were; Joe Dashley – Political Counsellor, Benjamin Zeitlyn – Growth, Prosperity & Climate Team Leader and Carine Escoffier Robarts, who was most recently Deputy Head of the UK’s Sahel Department.