The Ugandan business community in the United Kingdom have long made a positive contribution to our society and economy. While I am disappointed not to be able to join you at the fifth annual Uganda Convention, it is a fantastic opportunity to bring together business leaders, experts and professionals from across the UK and internationally.

The visions of this event can help to strengthen the British economy through international trade and development, identifying new export opportunities and developing cooperation between Britain and Uganda. The promotion and exchange of information is an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors.

Throughout all walks of life and in all professions Ugandans have established themselves and in the years ahead we can look forward to seeing more Ugandans contributing to all areas of business and innovation.

Through my role as the Prime Minister’s UK India Diaspora Champion I understand the importance of a forum which brings diaspora together and harnesses the opportunities available. The Uganda Diaspora possess a fantastic opportunity to strengthen investment in Uganda and promote the benefits of the diaspora community to the next generation of entrepreneurs. There is a wealth of investment opportunity available throughout the United Kingdom and across Europe.

I applaud the long-term aims of this forum. This Government and this country welcomes the Ugandan community’s contributions to Britain and I would like to pass my best wishes to everyone attending this year’s Uganda Convention and wish you all every success.

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP

Member of Parliament for Witham
Minister of State for Employment
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA
Web:- www.pritipatelmp.com