Taking stock of Kate Airey’s impact on Uganda

COMMENT | Crispin Kaheru | It’s not every day that a diplomat leaves a country with a legacy so profound that it feels as if they have become part of the nation’s very culture. Yet, that is exactly what British High Commissioner Kate Airey has been during her tenure in Uganda, from late 2020 to the present. Her choice of attire often said it all: whether wrapped in a kikoyi, adorned in kitenge, or accentuated with a touch of African jewelry, she embodied a connection with Uganda and Africa that went beyond the diplomatic.

In a world marked by global uncertainty, economic upheaval, and political turbulence, Kate has generally stood out as a beacon of stability—open to learning and listening. She embraced the spirit of partnership and working together to find solutions.

Navigating the complexities of diplomacy is never easy, but Kate made it seem effortless. Even during some of the toughest times for her home country, the United Kingdom, she remained committed to championing key causes in Uganda. From promoting climate resilience and clean energy to supporting health programs and education, Kate focused on initiatives that improve the lives of Ugandans.

From health crises to educational opportunities, Kate led with a rare kind of enthusiasm, proving that passion and determination can indeed overcome the steepest odds. Her commitment to securing funding for health programs has been nothing short of commendable. When COVID-19 unleashed its fury across the globe, Kate was on the ground—rallying support, resources, and hope for Uganda.

But Kate’s influence doesn’t stop there. As an advocate for climate resilience, she spearheaded initiatives that are now shaping Uganda’s future. Her promotion of clean energy solutions went gone beyond mere policy; it was about creating a sustainable future for generations to come. Take, for example, her push for Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs). At one point, she even tested how well these EPCs could cook matooke, one of Uganda’s staple foods. What might seem like a small, quaint endeavor is, in reality, a game-changer. Cheaper, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient, the EPCs are transforming Ugandan households—one meal at a time. In her world, even a humble kitchen appliance becomes a tool for global good.

Under Kate’s leadership, Uganda has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of UK Chevening Scholarships awarded to its citizens, with the 2024/2025 cohort reaching a record 25 beneficiaries. These scholarships are more than just opportunities for a UK education; they are a pathway for Uganda’s most promising minds to become leaders and innovators on the global stage.

Her tenure coincided with significant developments in Uganda’s infrastructure and trade. The construction of Kabalega International Airport in Bunyoro, for instance, stands as a testament to her steadfast advocacy. She supported the opening of UK markets to Ugandan agricultural products, including coffee, and her backing for value addition in agriculture has empowered Ugandan farmers, enabling them to command better prices and improve their livelihoods.

The industrialization agenda she led, including securing financing for the Namanve Business Park, has laid part of the groundwork for economic growth that Uganda will continue to build upon.

But perhaps one of Kate’s most remarkable achievements has been her ability to build and sustain relationships across political, technical, and business spheres. During her tenure, the British Chamber of Commerce launched its offices in Uganda to foster stronger business ties between two nations.

Her approach to diplomacy has been both subtle and firm—handling difficult and controversial issues with a grace that few can match. Whether negotiating with government officials or engaging with the private sector, Kate made things happen—respectfully, and effectively.

As she embarks on her next chapter, there is no doubt she leaves behind a bond with Uganda that will endure long after her departure. In the end, the true measure of a diplomat is not just in the policies they influence or the agreements they broker, but in the legacies, they leave behind.

Kate Airey has not just been a representative of the United Kingdom; she was a partner in progress and a firm believer in Uganda’s potential. As we bid her farewell, we do so with immense gratitude and affection.

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Crispin Kaheru, Commissioner, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)