Commonwealth Secretary-General the Hon Shirley Botchwey will be in Uganda from 7 to 9 October 2026 for her first official visit to the country as Secretary-General.
The trip will provide an opportunity for engagement on the Commonwealth’s shared values and principles, as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including ways in which the Commonwealth can support Uganda’s resilience building and sustainable development.
Discussions will explore areas where the Commonwealth can support the strengthening of institutions for the benefit of all its people.
Secretary-General Botchwey will meet with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, senior government officials, representatives of political parties, Parliament, the judiciary, independent institutions, and other stakeholders.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Secretary-General Botchwey said:
" had the privilege to visit Uganda previously. I am pleased to return in my capacity as Commonwealth Secretary-General. Uganda is a valued member of the Commonwealth, and our engagement reflects the importance we place on dialogue, partnership and the sharing of experiences across our family of nations.
"As we look ahead to CHOGM, this visit allows us to deepen our conversations on the shared priorities of the Commonwealth, especially our transformative agenda for resilience building and shared prosperity across the Commonwealth."
The Secretary-General’s visit comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, and will support Uganda’s engagement with the Commonwealth as preparations for the meeting continue.
In advance of the visit, Secretary-General Botchwey met with the Honourable Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Uganda, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Media contact
Temitope Kalejaiye
Public Relations and Engagement Officer
T: +447436032707 | Email our media contact Temitope Kalejaiye
