Ugandans benefit from Gadaffi’s visits
Mar 25, 2008
PERHAPS, the biggest benefit to Uganda from Col. Gadaffi’s visits is economic. Gadaffi’s visits to Uganda signal his approval of Uganda and, therefore, encourages Libyans to invest in Uganda. Gadaffi is perhaps one of the most committed and genuinely active Pan-Africanists.
Norah Owaraga
PERHAPS, the biggest benefit to Uganda from Col. Gadaffi’s visits is economic. Gadaffi’s visits to Uganda signal his approval of Uganda and, therefore, encourages Libyans to invest in Uganda.
In the recent past, a considerable number of Libyans have invested in Uganda. Therefore, creating much needed jobs for Ugandans who are ultimately contributing to improving household incomes. Gadaffi is perhaps one of the most committed and genuinely active Pan-Africanists.
He is genuinely fighting for a united Africa and this makes economic sense, if you think of economies of scale. If Africa were to unite, we would have strength in numbers — our negotiation powers with the rest of the world would be strengthened and we would have created a large market that would be attractive for investors.
In the long term, therefore, Gadaffi’s visit to Uganda could be of greater benefit to Uganda if he uses it and succeeds in convincing Kampala to join the school of thought for a united Africa.
Uganda is a small landlocked country that needs the other African countries for it to develop. The impact of the recent chaos in Kenya on Uganda illustrates this point.
Gadaffi’s visit comes with a welcoming fresh air of women empowerment in action. His closest bodyguards are women. There are very few, if any, other heads-of-state whose security is manned by women. Kampala could learn from Gadaffi’s pro-women policies and the women of Uganda can draw inspiration from the women who are ensuring Gadaffi’s safety.
The national mosque in Kampala is a magnificent complex that has added to the aesthetic value of Old Kampala. Gadaffi did not only provide the funding, he ensured that the best human resource and materials were used to ensure that the job was well done. The mosque is the largest in Africa and comes with a complex of conference halls, study centres and shops.
Gadaffi is a global figure, although in some circles he is considered notorious. Nevertheless, his visits put the global spotlight on Uganda. Uganda stands to gain from a boom in tourism.
The mosque is a symbol of Gadaffi’s conviction and belief in religion, Islam and a sign of how religion can be used for promoting development for the greater benefit of the people, as opposed to religion that promotes sectarianism as is the norm in Uganda.
The writer is the chief executive officer of Executive Support Services
PERHAPS, the biggest benefit to Uganda from Col. Gadaffi’s visits is economic. Gadaffi’s visits to Uganda signal his approval of Uganda and, therefore, encourages Libyans to invest in Uganda.
In the recent past, a considerable number of Libyans have invested in Uganda. Therefore, creating much needed jobs for Ugandans who are ultimately contributing to improving household incomes. Gadaffi is perhaps one of the most committed and genuinely active Pan-Africanists.
He is genuinely fighting for a united Africa and this makes economic sense, if you think of economies of scale. If Africa were to unite, we would have strength in numbers — our negotiation powers with the rest of the world would be strengthened and we would have created a large market that would be attractive for investors.
In the long term, therefore, Gadaffi’s visit to Uganda could be of greater benefit to Uganda if he uses it and succeeds in convincing Kampala to join the school of thought for a united Africa.
Uganda is a small landlocked country that needs the other African countries for it to develop. The impact of the recent chaos in Kenya on Uganda illustrates this point.
Gadaffi’s visit comes with a welcoming fresh air of women empowerment in action. His closest bodyguards are women. There are very few, if any, other heads-of-state whose security is manned by women. Kampala could learn from Gadaffi’s pro-women policies and the women of Uganda can draw inspiration from the women who are ensuring Gadaffi’s safety.
The national mosque in Kampala is a magnificent complex that has added to the aesthetic value of Old Kampala. Gadaffi did not only provide the funding, he ensured that the best human resource and materials were used to ensure that the job was well done. The mosque is the largest in Africa and comes with a complex of conference halls, study centres and shops.
Gadaffi is a global figure, although in some circles he is considered notorious. Nevertheless, his visits put the global spotlight on Uganda. Uganda stands to gain from a boom in tourism.
The mosque is a symbol of Gadaffi’s conviction and belief in religion, Islam and a sign of how religion can be used for promoting development for the greater benefit of the people, as opposed to religion that promotes sectarianism as is the norm in Uganda.
The writer is the chief executive officer of Executive Support Services