The United Kingdom (UK) government has recalled Ambassador Kate Airey over her apparent involvement in Uganda’s internal political affairs. Ambassador Airey will be succeeded by Ambassador Lisa Chesney, who will take on the role of the new High Commissioner to Uganda in October 2024.
Ambassador Kate Airey faced criticism for allegedly overstepping her diplomatic boundaries by engaging with various political parties and activities in Uganda, including meeting with leader Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The meetings were said to be aimed at advocating for the release of NUP supporters who had been arrested for involvement in violent activities and property damage.
One of the contentious issues surrounding Ambassador Airey’s tenure in Uganda was her involvement in imposing sanctions against Speaker Anite Among and two former ministers. These sanctions, implemented without what experts consider due diligence, stirred controversy. President Museveni raised concerns about allegations linking Among to property ownership in London, prompting a call for evidence from the UK that has not been fulfilled to date.
Speaker Among refuted the allegations, asserting that the sanctions were politically motivated, likely stemming from her chairing Parliament in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act. She also maintained that she does not possess any property in London.
Earlier this year, the NUP party appointed Ambassador Kate Airey and the United States Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, as signatories to the party’s bank accounts, a move that violates Uganda’s Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005.
Furthermore, these ambassadors are accused of jointly signing NUP’s letter to FIFA, which made rounds on social media urging FIFA to sanction Speaker Among’s husband, Moses Magogo.
This development comes in the wake of President Yoweri Museveni cautioning European envoys against intervening in domestic affairs that they may not fully comprehend, warning of potential serious repercussions.
