Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Direct flights will link Gatwick to Uganda from May 18

Direct flights will link Gatwick to Uganda

Lord Collins of Highbury and Nimisha Madhvani with other officials at the launch of the UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue in Kampala

LORD COLLINS of Highbury, the minister for Africa, concluded a two-day visit to Uganda last month, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive partnerships and mutual economic growth.

During the visit (April 3–4), the minister was welcomed by president Yoweri Museveni at State House.


Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Nimisha Madhvani, played a key role during the visit, joining Lord Collins at several important engagements.

The UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue was also launched during the visit; it is aimed at driving investment, improving the business environment, and increasing bilateral trade, in association with Uganda’s Ministry of Finance.

Lord Collins toured Zembo, a UK-supported e-mobility company leading Uganda’s green transport transition.

Backed by Innovate UK and the Private Infrastructure Development Group, Zembo’s electric motorcycles are helping reduce carbon emissions while saving local riders an average of $500 (£374) per year.

At a joint reception with Uganda Airlines, Lord Collins announced the launch of direct passenger flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick from May 18, the first in a decade.

The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism and cultural connections.

“The introduction of direct flights marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards deeper economic and people-topeople ties,” said Lord Collins.

He also visited the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), a flagship centre of UK-Uganda scientific and medical research collaboration.

With over £25 million in UK funding, UVRI has made critical advancements in HIV/AIDS, Ebola research, and infectious viral disease control.

Lord Collins met researchers from both countries, recognising their joint success in strengthening global health security.

“This visit reflects the UK’s enduring partnership with Uganda – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to sustainable progress,” Lord Collins said.

More For You

UK-EU-deal-Getty

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer, and president of the European Council, Antonio Costa arrive to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key points of the new UK–EU agreement

THE UK and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark agreement to strengthen cooperation on defence and trade, signalling a new chapter in relations following the UK's departure from the bloc in January 2020.

Opening the first EU–UK summit since Brexit, prime minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as "a new era in our relationship" and "a new strategic partnership fit for our times."

Keep ReadingShow less
Cyber Attack on Peter Green Chilled Impacts UK Supermarkets

This latest incident follows other recent cyber attacks on major UK supermarkets

iStock

Peter Green Chilled hit by cyber attack affecting major UK supermarkets

Peter Green Chilled, a key distributor to leading UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Aldi, has been hit by a cyber attack, disrupting operations and raising concerns over food supply and waste.

The cyber incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday 15 May. In an internal communication seen by the BBC, Peter Green Chilled informed partners the following day that no new orders would be processed on Thursday 16 May, though any deliveries prepared before the attack would still be dispatched.

Keep ReadingShow less
Greggs Trials Behind-Counter Food Display to Fight Theft

Food and drink items behind the counter at selected stores

Getty

Greggs to move food behind counters to tackle shoplifting

Bakery chain Greggs is trialling a move to place food and drink items behind the counter at selected stores in a bid to reduce shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

The company confirmed that a small number of its branches, including locations in Whitechapel, Peckham and Ilford in east London, have begun testing the new layout. These stores have reportedly experienced higher levels of theft and disruptive behaviour, prompting the temporary shift.

Keep ReadingShow less
Oyo

With this addition, OYO’s corporate network now includes more than 6,500 clients. (Photo: X/@oyorooms)

X/@oyorooms

OYO adds 3,500 corporate clients in FY25

OYO has added 3,500 new corporate clients in FY25 through its business accelerator division, the global travel tech platform said on Friday. This marks a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in its corporate portfolio, reflecting a rise in business travel in India following the Covid period.

With this addition, OYO’s corporate network now includes more than 6,500 clients.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK EU deal

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission and Keir Starmer stand together, ahead of their bilateral meeting at the 6th European Political Community summit on May 16 in Tirana, Albania.

UK and EU reach deal to 'reset' ties at first summit since Brexit

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer was expected to sign a new agreement with the European Union at a summit in London on Monday, marking the first major step towards closer UK-EU ties since Brexit.

EU and UK negotiators reached agreement on a deal to "reset" their relations post-Brexit, diplomats said, after talks ran into Sunday night to resolve squabbling over key sticking points — with the sensitive matter of fishing rights top of the list.

Keep ReadingShow less