SOAS honorary recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List 2026

Harry Matovu OBE KC was recognised for services to business and the legal profession in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.  

The honours list celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment to public service of individuals across the UK.

Harry Matovu OBE KC is a Ugandan-born litigation expert, with many years of expertise in commercial litigation, international arbitration, civil fraud, and public international law. He has represented sovereign states, global corporations, and financial institutions in billion-dollar disputes in this jurisdiction and abroad.

It is in these uncertain times that you, the graduates of the humanities and social sciences, need to show pride in your learning. That fight is engaged, and you must have the courage to join.

In 2025, he was awarded a SOAS Honorary Doctor of Law in recognition of his substantial contribution and commitment to the Commercial Bar in the UK, Africa, Middle East and Asia and work as a Founder and Chair of the Black Talent Charter - which supports Black talent in business and the professions through new approaches and new ways of thinking.

Addressing SOAS graduates at the 2025 graduation ceremony, he said: "It is in these uncertain times that you, the graduates of the humanities and social sciences, need to show pride in your learning. That fight is engaged, and you must have the courage to join.” 

Congratulations to Harry Matovu from the entire SOAS community.