Politics 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Commonwealth Secretary-General Botchwey Arrives in Uganda for Pre-CHOGM Talks
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey is in Uganda for a three-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss priorities ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The visit aims to deepen engagement on the Commonwealth Charter and support Uganda's development goals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-commonwealth-secretary-general-shirley-botchwey-visits-uganda-ahead-of-chogm-2026-5622484
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey commenced a significant three-day official visit to Uganda on October 7, 2026. This maiden visit in her current capacity is set to focus on bolstering bilateral relations between Uganda and the Commonwealth, supporting the nation’s sustainable development efforts, and aligning key priorities in anticipation of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
During her stay, Secretary-General Botchwey is slated for high-level discussions with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Her schedule also includes engagements with various senior government officials, leaders in the judiciary and parliament, representatives from diverse political parties, independent institutions, and influential figures within civil society.
According to a statement from the Commonwealth Secretariat, this visit provides a crucial opportunity to reinforce engagement with the core principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. Discussions are expected to explore how the 56-member organization can assist Uganda in enhancing national resilience, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening governance structures for the benefit of all its citizens.
Reflecting on her return to Uganda, Botchwey expressed enthusiasm for the dialogue, acknowledging Uganda’s long-standing and valued contribution to the Commonwealth. “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,” Botchwey stated, underscoring the significance of collaborative exchange.
Botchwey highlighted that these discussions will be instrumental in shaping Commonwealth-wide objectives leading up to the CHOGM, scheduled for November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. “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,” she added.
This Kampala visit follows preparatory talks between Secretary-General Botchwey and Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, held in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly late last month.