The Uganda UK Convention wishes to express its deepest thanks to Hon Betty Amongi Ongom, Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development, Uganda and Lord Dolar Popat, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda.
The important messages they shared on the day have contributed to the tremendous success of the day, and have been instrumental in meeting the goals and objectives of the Convention.
Thanks also goes to all Commissioners and Ambassadors from Europe, business delegates, community and enterprise leaders, professionals from Europe and Uganda and representatives of the voluntary sector and all other sponsors and exhibitors who have paved the way forward for an enhanced and enriched communication between members of the Ugandan Diaspora and Uganda itself, and have also, undoubtedly brought Ugandans in the UK closer together and as well as promoting Uganda as a no.1 investment destination in East Africa.
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Thanks also goes to 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.
Thanks goes to all volunteers who helped on the day and whose support and contribution are highly appreciated. And thanks to all those, too many to mention, who, in one way or another, have given their encouragement and shared ideas to make the 8th Uganda UK Convention a truly outstanding success. We have had outstanding speakers from the Ugandan Government and the business community encouraging us all to invest in our motherland.
In addition, we were privileged to hear some very inspiring personal stories of Rose Twine a Ugandan Diaspora who relocated back to Uganda and successful started a multi $ Million business in eco-stove.
May we all gain much insight and inspiration from these contributions and now make firm commitments to proceed with our individual projects to transform our own lives and the lives of others in our own communities in the UK and in Uganda at large.
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The theme of the day was “Driving Trade, Unleashing Investment and Enhancing Economic Development: The Gateway to Ugandan Markets” and it fits well with some of our core objectives which are:
- Promoting and facilitating bilateral trade between the United Kingdom, Europe, the Diaspora and Uganda
- Facilitating foreign direct investment in Uganda
- Providing a platform for businesses to expand into new markets
- Promoting British businesses exporting to Uganda
- And encouraging and exposing business and investment opportunities to Ugandans living in the UK.
A lot has been happening in Uganda on the political scene and a special session debated and interfaced with members of Uganda Diasporas attending on the day.
The Chairman asked members of the Government to take our message back home that Ugandans in the Diaspora are appalled and concerned by the recent human right abuse perpetrated against members of the parliament and Ugandans at large.
The Chairman also pointed out that that despite the situation in Uganda, the onus is on us as Ugandans to control the narrative and promote Uganda as the Land of opportunity. It is also everyone’s responsibility to expand the role of the Ugandan Diaspora from family remitters to financial and social investors by exposing them to opportunities by our various partners.
Delegates listened to speakers who discussed among others opportunities in infrastructure and real estate. Speakers from Colas UK, a subsidiary of a French civil engineering firm, Colas Group. Lars Peter Jensen, Area Manager of Uganda Colas Limited shared an investor’s perspective and best practices in investing in Uganda.
An expert panel moderated by Edwin Musiime, a TV property show host on NTV Uganda discussed real estate sector focusing on financing where there are opportunities, understanding market demand, and addressing the disconnection between the price of formal, developer-built housing and what the general population can afford.
Over five affordable housing developers exhibited and also shared on the disruption of affordable housing market; what the current sources of funding are; what the plans/initiatives to make housing credit more affordable are; and what alternative financing solutions are available.
An expert overview of free trade agreements (FTAs) and boosting intra-regional trade in East Africa was presented by Nicholas Tate, Managing Director, Tate Freight Forms Ltd.
Lord Dolar Popat, UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda gave an update on the UK’s export growth strategy.
Untapped opportunities in Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Media, ICT, Health and Manufacturing healthcare, and Service industry were discussed by an expert panel which also debated on Uganda’s Export Opportunities and Challenges to European and North American markets.
Dr. Samuel Mugasi the Executive Director of NAADS presented an overview in the agri-food supply chain.
I would like again to thank Uganda Government and the private sector for their continual support of the Uganda UK Convention.
I would like to take this same opportunity to re-affirm that the UK Convention has never received any monetary support from the Uganda Government. The Convention is solely funded by myself and all of you who attend and contribute money in form of ticket fees and exhibition fees.
Finally, he acknowledged the sponsors without whom the event could not be what it was. Namely; Comfort Homes, Roofings Ltd, Fakhruddin, KPG Property managers, Housing Finance Bank, WORLD REMIT, Jakarna Heights, Alvan Blanch, VJ Immigration, Southgate Properties, Buganda Land Board, Universal Enterprises, SMW Marketing, Colas Ltd | SBC (Uganda) Ltd, Property Show, Going Global, Promota Africa and Institute Corporate Governance, the media partners and the organising committee.
He welcomed the exhibitors, and everyone who attended, and made the Convention the great experience that it had become.
“It is all about you, for you and by you, and it would not be what it is without you”, said Willy Mutenza
He wished the guests successful and fruitful deliberations.
“For God and My country – Uganda”, he said
I invite you again at the 9th Uganda Convention in London on the 14th Sept at Troxy.
Register for your free ticket at https://ukconvention2019.eventbrite.co.uk/
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