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The First Lady and Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Janet Museveni, called upon Ugandans in the diaspora to invest in Karamoja and help the region harness its natural resources and potential so that prosperity becomes a reality. She made this call in her presentation about her experiences, successes and challenges of work in Karamoja during the second Ugandan UK Convention in London.

The 2012 Ugandan UK Convention which ran along with the Diaspora Trade and Investment Expo 2012 under the theme “Aspiring for Sustainable Prosperity”, was promoting Uganda as the preferred investment destination for Ugandans in the diaspora.
Mrs. Museveni described Karamoja as a region full of investment opportunities and encouraged all Ugandans, friends, partners in development and entrepreneurs from within and outside Uganda to pursue and exploit them for the good of the Karimojong and Uganda at large. She cited examples of the endowed Kidepo National Game Park plus the stunning and unique scenery and the undisturbed habitat in the region that she said offers tremendous opportunity for eco-tourism. She also pointed out the rich volcanic soils which investors could take advantage of to engage in mechanised commercial crop and livestock agriculture and be able to feed the market within Uganda as well as the regional and global demands.

Other investment opportunities that Mrs. Museveni identified in Karamoja include the exploitation of various minerals, solar and geothermal renewable energy production, use of the vast lands for large forest plantations to offer carbon credit to partners from industrialised countries as well as contribute to climate change mitigation.
“Uganda’s development cannot be complete without the development of Karamoja,” Mrs. Museveni said and pledged the Government of Uganda’s commitment to support any endeavour towards enhancing the prosperity of Karamoja.

She called upon everybody to join the journey to bring the Karimojong to the same level with the rest of the Ugandans in dignity and prosperity as the country celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Independence.

The chairman and founder of the Uganda UK Convention, Willy Mutenza, said it is time for all Ugandans to unite in their diversity at this time of their mother country’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, reflect on how far the country has come and their crucial role in its development. He said the convention is a learning platform to present new perspectives of looking at Uganda not only as their mother country but also as a country with vast opportunities.
The convention which gathered many Ugandans and their friends, was also attended by ministers Maria Kiwanuka for finance. Tress Buchanayandi, state for agriculture, Christine Amongin Aporu for Teso region and fisheries’ Ruth Nankabirwa. Others in attendance were Uganda MPs, Uganda’s High Commissioner to London Joan Rwabyomere, Baroness Linda Chalker, Bishop Luwalira of Narnirembe and the director of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund, Dr. Robert Limlim.

It was probably the biggest gathering of predominantly middle class Ugandans in Europe. Bobi Wine was among the top artists from Uganda that entertained Ugandans on the day.

Uganda Convention UK’s vision is to harness the tremendous skills, expertise and knowledgebase of the Ugandan Diaspora with a view to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development back in Uganda. Uganda Convention provide a platform for exchanges of views and networking to Ugandan Diasporas on matters of common interest and concern to them. Also help the Government of Uganda to better understand and appreciate the expectations of Ugandan Diasporas community from the land of their ancestors and more importantly, acknowledge the important role played by them in Uganda’s efforts to acquire its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Objectives:

Promote the exchange of information, research and expertise and encourage new business interaction and relationships
To mobilize the Ugandan Diasporas to transfer knowledge, skills and technologies to Uganda to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development
Identify potential opportunties in Uganda and mobilise Ugandans in the Diaspora to invest back home and increase the role of Ugandan Diaspora in Uganda’s development
Seek investment opportunities in public and private organizations within Uganda, the United Kingdom and Europe and inform Ugandans in the Diaspora
Utilize the intellectual and financial capital of the Diaspora for the purpose of improving the livelihood of all Ugandans
Raise awareness of financial services available for small to medium sized businesses in Uganda and the United Kingdom
Lobby and influence the Ugandan government to tap into the “vast expertise” of Ugandan professionals in Europe, to hasten Uganda’s socio-economic development
Encourage Ugandans in the Diaspora to promote a positive image of their nation
Mentor Ugandan youths in the Diaspora to instil in them a sense of nationalism and become responsible citizens
Create awareness of scholarship programs designed for the development of Uganda
Inspire and encourage a unity among Ugandans in Europe

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the regulator of the communications sector in Uganda has banned Bobi Wine’s new song, “Tugambire ku Jennifer” (please talk to Jennifer on our behalf) in translation that is said to be defaming Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director, Ms. Jennifer Musisi.

In a statement issued yesterday, UCC stated that they have noticed that musicians through music attack individuals and warned broadcasting channels especially radio on playing these songs.

“Some artistes and musicians have resorted to attack personalities through their songs and other works. Much as they have a right to express themselves… public airwaves should not be used to attack individuals, which may amount to defamation…”read the statement.

In the song, Bobi states how Jennifer Musisi has oppressed Kampala citizens; he therefore tries to get the attention of administrators to talk to the KCCA boss to loosen her Grip on Kampala.

When contacted just days after the release of the song, Musisi reacted: “I have not yet heard the Song yet but I surely will try to find it. If he thinks he’s trying to get at me, am sorry. He’s a small fish with no bones and trust me; we shall see who has the last laugh.”

However, the Ghetto president came out denying allegations that he was directly targeting the City boss (Musisi).

“This is no verbal attack or disrespect to the boss but am expressing what are exactly on the minds of the ghetto people,” the By Far singer stated.

Bobi adds that he doesn’t target anybody in the song but simply talks about the daily lives of the Ghetto people.

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The Convention’s after- party

One of the Conventions objectives:
-Promote the exchange of information, research and expertise and encourage new business interaction and relationships
-To mobilize the Ugandan Diasporas to transfer knowledge, skills and technologies to Uganda to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development
-Identify potential opportunties in Uganda and mobilise Ugandans in the Diaspora to invest back home and increase the role of Ugandan Diaspora in Uganda’s development
-Seek investment opportunities in public and private organizations within Uganda, the United Kingdom and Europe and inform Ugandans in the Diaspora
-Utilize the intellectual and financial capital of the Diaspora for the purpose of improving the livelihood of all Ugandans
-Raise awareness of financial services available for small to medium sized businesses in Uganda and the United Kingdom

Presenting a paper on the state of Teso Region and how you can contribute. She reported the positve outcome from her attending the 1st Convention which included linking up with a charity that has so far built more than 10 secondary schools not to mention Riverflow ministries charity that is now on ground helping people on agriculture…