Britain appoints Ms Lisa Chesney MBE, a Counter- Extremism expert as new High Commissioner to Uganda

The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Uganda, Ms Lisa Chesney MBE is a highly trained counter- extremism expert, according to details sourced from her biography and curriculum vitae. 

Ms Chesney will take up her appointment in October 2024 in succession to Ms Kate Airey OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. 

Security and Defence has been a theme throughout Ms Chesney’s career, she has worked with a range of countries, multilateral partners and government departments on this agenda. 

Before her posting to Uganda, Ms Chesney has been serving as as British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone since August 2021. Before heading to Sierra Leone, she served in London in the Home Office as Gold Command for the Crime, Policing and Fire Group’s response to and recovery from COVID-19. From 2018, Lisa led the UK’s Counter-Extremism Unit. 

In the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, she served as Deputy Head Security Policy, leading on strategic security issues and delivery of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

 Ms. Chesney has also headed the Prevent Team within the Counter-Terrorism Department. She has previously been posted to Mogadishu, as Deputy Head of Mission, re-establishing a UK embassy in Somalia and to Helmand Province, as UK Head of Politics and Strategic Communications in the Provincial Reconstruction Team.  

Ms. Chesney has also held corporate services leadership and change management roles. She worked internationally in marketing in the private sector prior to joining the diplomatic service. 

She studied at St Andrews University and the Institute of Management Development. 

She also undertook a Higher Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

She received an MBE title in the New Year’s Honours list in 2014.

MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. According to the British Gazette, The British honours system rewards individuals with Honours, Decorations and Medals in public recognition of their merit, service or bravery. 

Honours are announced and awarded twice a year by His Majesty The King, with lists consisting of knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire, and gallantry and bravery awards. Different awards are received depending on an individual’s achievements.

Instituted in 1917 by George V, the awards were created during World War I to reward services to the war effort by people not on the front line. However, they are now appointed to civilians as well as members of the armed forces.