South Africa – Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa Paul Amoru has urged diasporas to embrace government programs, services and available trade and investment opportunities.
He made the call during an engagement with National Resistance Movement (NRM) Southern Africa Chapter this week at Sierra Hotel – Johannesburg.
The meeting was also attended by Ugandan delegation led by Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, who was flanked by Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber and Administrative Officer in the Office of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament of Uganda, Henry Muheebwa.
The discussion centered on a wide range of issues, including trade, tourism, investment, and diaspora affairs.
Amb Amoru mentioned that South Africa is home to many and the Embassy is open to all Ugandans with or without an appointment.
On his part, the Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua emphasized government’s readiness to offer and extend opportunities for trade and investment to diasporas in South Africa.
He also inspected the passport and Visa handling room at the Embassy in Pretoria.
Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber affirmed Parliament’s efforts in fostering government programs and services, which benefit diaspora community in South Africa.
Isma Luzige, the chairperson South Africa NRM chapter reiterated their commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among members, irrespective of one’s political or religious affiliation.
He also highlighted the need to boost tourism through promoting Ugandan commodities and the Pearl of Africa to the rest of the World, as the number one tourism destination.
Among other matters, the meeting deliberated on security cooperation – how best they can help and protect their people in South Africa from instabilities. This, to be done through collaboration with the Government of South Africa.
“As Ugandans we’re entiled to freedom of speech and freedom of movement whenever we’re in diaspora and its our primary mandate as ugandans to work together and remain united,” stated Luzige.
In order to enable government work on their grievances, the chairperson also called upon opposition figures to embrace dialogue rather than fronting politics of intrigue, which maliciously tarnish the country’s and region’s image.
Luzige extended an invitation to the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, to come and discuss pertinent issues with the NRM Chapter in South Africa in a bid to strengthen the party and core values among the members.
He revealed that preparatory meetings are ongoing for the Southern Africa Trade and Investment Summit to be held next year, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected as Chief Guest.
