Families are the cornerstone of economic development especially in Africa as they are historically and culturally a basis of organising. We as cultural leaders therefore work towards culturally rich and vibrant families that espouse positive principles of industriousness, responsibility, humility, volunteerism, honesty and integrity.

As we progress in conceptualising the obstacle in the social- economic development of women, we should endeavour to encourage and support platforms that raise ambitions especially with trade outside Uganda. Women provide an immense percentage of agricultural labour and produce; of which about 90 per cent is all food. Paradoxically while women produce 80% of agricultural productivity in Africa, they own up to less than 10% of the resources.

Uganda is one of the few countries in the Sub-Sahara endowed with some of the finest natural resources which are backed by fair trade and investment policies. Principally, Buganda Kingdom sits at the forefront of the liberalisation of women and youth to ensure they reach their full capabilities in social and economic prominence. Our economic activity rates; the percentage of people who furnish the supply of labour for the production of economic goods, ranks highest in Africa compared to other regions of the world[1].

The Nnabagereka Development Foundation (NDF), aims to utilise such forums such as The Uganda-UK Convention to build momentum and promote the various investment opportunities within the country. With our Vision of “A leading African Foundation celebrating positive culture and providing development solutions”, NDF has succeeded in key development outcomes especially around: mentorship of children and youth through our internationally renowned leadership development flagship programme – Ekisaakaate Kya Nnabagereka; education for girls and young women; health outreach and education and enhancing agricultural productivity through adoption of traditional and modern practices along the continuum of value chain production. Nonetheless, so much yet to be done especially in the areas of: value chain productivity and value addition as a way to boost agricultural production and agribusiness; reduction of the alarmingly high maternal mortality rates and; scaling up successful models such as the Ekisaakaate Kya Nnabagereka and youth entrepreneurship skills development.

The core quest of community development should be streamlined from ensuring our children reach their potential, young people develop a higher appreciation of entrepreneurship and women are at the centre of natural resource assets management. Entrepreneur skills for instance reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves from being indigent to being active agents of change – they sift our perceptions of the power within to one that enables us to explore our fullest potential and identify resources within our reach. This speaks to us as a cultural institution that promotes the use of resources within our reach to engender development.

I am proud to support The UK- Uganda Convention platform and I encourage everyone to utilize this forum for Investment prospects within UK and Uganda.

Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda

Nnabagereka of Buganda Kingdom

Chief Guest, The UK-Uganda Convention 2015

[1] OECD: Poverty Reduction and Social Development Women in Africa