The Uganda High Commission in UK has been recognised for its inclusive Diaspora engagement and diplomacy efforts. The award was received by Deputy Ambassador, H.E. John Mugerwa, during the #4thAnnualUgandaNursesMidwivesinUKCelebrations, which took place in Northamptonshire.

Deputy Ambassador, H.E. John L Mugerwa and Ms Miriam Otengo, Head of Diaspora Affairs at Uganda High Commission, London, attended the annual celebrations, where the Chief Guest was the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, flanked by Sr. Chandia Baku, Chief Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health, Uganda, and Ms. Angela Hillary, The Chief Executive Officer of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The event, which was graced by over 300 diaspora Nurses and Midwives, highlighted the achievements and contributions of Ugandan Nurses in the UK and their impact on the healthcare system in Uganda.

Ambassador Mugerwa, on behalf of the Mission, applauded Uganda-UK Nurses and Midwives Association, as well as, other health professionals for the great service they render in UK and initiatives for skills transfer/enhancement in Uganda. He also appreciated their work in improving health service delivery in Uganda, through partnerships, charities, foundations, and private investments.

The Lord Lieutenant conveyed His Majesty King Charles’s interest in Commonwealth countries, including Uganda. He shared that during the King’s coronation, all Lord Lieutenants were urged to focus on the “4 Cs” (Climate, Commonwealth, Community, and Collaboration). He thanked the Ugandan nurses for their significant contributions to the NHS and pledged continued support.

Sr. Chandia Baku, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Health, thanked the UK government for its support to Ugandan nurses in the NHS and for providing specialized training through various NHS trusts to the Nurses in Uganda. She emphasized the critical role of nurses in healthcare, noting that the best outcomes in procedures and treatments are achieved through their commitment. She called upon the nurses to continue supporting the Ugandan government.

The President of the Uganda UK Nurses and Midwives Association, Ms Justine Nakimuli Odwongo, thanked the Ugandan Mission for its open-door policy, which has facilitated timely consultations and support.

To recognize this support, the Mission was awarded for inclusive Diaspora Engagement and Diplomacy.

The evening concluded with a vibrant dance to traditional Ugandan beats, celebrating the unity and cultural heritage of the Ugandan diaspora in the UK.

The AGM underscored the importance of collaboration and support among Ugandan health professionals, and the continued partnership with the UK, enhancing healthcare delivery both in the UK and Uganda.

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