For the 3rd time Ugandans in the Diaspora hosted its annual forum with flying colours of success, investors, Ugandans, business leaders, politicians blessed the events in great numbers.

We can’t attribute the success of the convention to only the number of delegates but the outcome and achieving some of our objectives. During his keynote presentation the Vice President of Uganda Hon. Edward Ssekandi reported that the Ugandan government plans to establish a fully pledged department to handle Diaspora matters in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that a legal frame work shall be put in place and its key objectives will be:

• Promotion of dual -citizenship
• Extending visiting  rights and participation in the electoral process
• Creating platforms for the Ugandan Diaspora to participate in national development planning and policy formulation.
• Creation of economical opportunities including operating Diaspora Forex accounts, access Diaspora bank  and the purchase of Diaspora bonds.
• Promotion of the Diaspora rights and observation of the Diaspora week

He further said that “This is an effort by the government to be accountable to her people both at home and the Diaspora”.

Hon. Mariam Nalubega who was representing Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga delivered another positive message from the speaker of Parliament to assure Ugandans in the Diaspora that she is pursuing the issue of appointing the Minister of Diaspora affairs, scraping of the dual citizenship fees and that she has already established a desk in the parliament of Uganda in-charge of Diaspora affairs. All these were resolutions from previous conventions and an indication that the Ugandan government is listening to views and issues affecting Ugandans in the Diaspora.

It  was also a milestone achievement to host Buganda Land Board and its investment company (BICUL), this was an indication that Buganda Kingdom has embraced the Convention.

We wish to express our deepest thanks to the Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Vice President, Patrick Bitature – Chairman of Uganda Investment Board, Mr. Richard Kamajugo, commissioner for customs, Sebaggala M. Kigozi, CEO,  Manufacturing Authority, Hon. Amongin Aporu (MP) Minister of State for Teso, Hon. Sam Engola, Minister of State for Housing, Hon. Nekesa Barbara Oundo, Minister of State for Karamoja, Commissioners and Ambassadors, Honourable Members of Parliament, Officials from different Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Representatives of the Private Sector Speakers and Panelists.

Special thanks goes to the community and community leaders   for their dedicated support and all our exhibitors. You have all paved the way forward for enhanced and enriched communication between members of the Ugandan Diaspora, investors and Uganda itself, and have also, undoubtedly brought Ugandans in the UK closer together.

Without forgetting all visitors, who through their attendance have acknowledged the crucial role that the Diaspora has to play in the development of Uganda, and with whom, a definite way forward can now be etched to fully participate in Ugandan affairs in a most fruitful and successful way.

Last but not least I would like to acknowledge the work of the volunteers and the convention organising team who helped to make it possible, their support and contribution are highly appreciated and to all those too many to mention, who in one way or another  have given their encouragement and shared ideas to make this third Ugandan UK Convention a truly outstanding success thank you so much all for your contribution.

For God and My Country

Willy Mutenza, Chairman
UGANDAN UK CONVENTION
Ugandan UK Trade and Investment Forum

M: +447790 647 089
W: www.ugandanconventionuk.org
E: info@ugandanconventionuk.org