Uganda's last 24 years have been extremely impressive

Apr 08, 2012

As Parliamentary delegates from around the world gathered in Kampala for the IPU Assembly to discuss matters of global interest, I was overjoyed with the new Uganda.

By Lord Dolar Popat

As Parliamentary delegates from around the world gathered in Kampala for the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly to discuss matters of global interest, I was overjoyed with the new Uganda.

I was born in Uganda but was forced to flee from Idi Amin at 17. I am amazed at the strides Uganda has taken in the past 24 years. 

Socially, economically, politically; Uganda has come so far in such a short space of time.

Uganda is a friend I have kept. And I am keeping contact with many friends here, since becoming a Lord in 2010. I have regularly met with delegations of Ugandan MPs when they visit Britain. 

The hospitality is now being returned. This week I met with the Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and also the Minister for Land, Housing, and Urban Development Daudi Migereko. I also met the ministers of energy and that of defence. 

Amama and I had a very pleasant discussion about the circumstances under which I left the country and also at how impressed I am with Uganda. It is so different to when I left, the people are so friendly and the country is progressing so rapidly.

Trade

We agreed completely on the need to promote trade between Britain and Uganda; trade helps to bring prosperity and is a driver of transformation.

Developing better political, economic and social links with East African countries has become a major focus of my political work in Britain, and I speak passionately about the economic progress in the area. Uganda absolutely has the right economic policies. 

President Museveni deserves praise for the way he has encouraged outside investment and using private-sector growth to power the economy.

As the President said in his speech, you have economic growth of about 6.5% every year, which is incredibly impressive. Given the global economic climate, most countries are very envious of that figure.

Bilateral trade

Britain is already helping the Ugandan economy grow. 

We are the largest cumulative investor in Uganda, and bilateral trade between Britain and Uganda is in the region of £150million. I personally think that number can easily double by 2015.

British firms need to be proactive and look for the opportunities available; those British firms who are already here are showing how successful you can be. Uganda wants increased investment and I think there is real potential for those firms who act quickly.

Our delegation met with the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Muloni, and she explicitly thanked Britain for its investment through Tullow Oil. The onus is now on other firms to get themselves out here and invest in Uganda as there is great potential in the energy sector, including renewable energy, solar power etcetera. Uganda is also well endowed with other mineral deposits - we now need to pro-actively pursue this as our companies have the relevant experience.

Development

Private sector investment isn’t the only way Britain contributes to the Ugandan economy; it is also the second largest provider of development assistance to Uganda.

We give about £100million in development assistance every year. We want to see this funding help Uganda, lift people out of poverty and boost economic growth – the British Government is very supportive of developing Uganda and we are positive this money is being used to good effect.

IPU

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organisation that brings together the entire world’s Parliaments. 

It helps to build relationships and exchange ideas between parliamentarians of all countries and considers questions of international interest and concern. It has a particular interest in the defence and promotion of human rights - considered an essential factor of parliamentary democracy and development. This year, the Assembly’s theme is “Parliament and the People; Bridging the Gap”, a topic that is as relevant in Britain as it is in Uganda.

Democracy

It would be a mistake to think that it is only countries like Uganda -who’ve only recently become more democratic- that need to do more to improve democracy. In Britain we are adding more elected mayors, elected police commissioners and devolving powers to local communities.

Democracy always needs more work. Be it to ensure people are held accountable or to improve processes. Uganda can still do more in certain areas, but we can learn from each other at this Assembly how to improve our democracies together.

President Museveni said as much in his speech and I think it is very encouraging. The freedom people have here now is much better, and Ugandan society is more stable because of it, but we can always do more.

There is now a much stronger civic society here, as well as a Parliamentary system and other hallmarks of a modern democracy. Ugandans should be proud of that; they will all feel the benefits of a lasting democracy.

Anglo-Ugandan links

We had a conference in London recently to discuss the situation in Somalia, and President Museveni played a leading role and is helping with AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia).

It is fantastic that Uganda is taking on these responsibilities, and I know President Museveni met with our Prime Minister on his visit. In addition, only last week the Minister for Africa –Henry Bellingham- was here meeting with dignitaries; these visits make our relationship stronger and give us real momentum and promote development.

Commonwealth

My support for democracy and trade, as well as work to bring together the British Indian community and the Conservative Party, are some of the reasons the British Prime Minister David Cameron made me a Lord.

I consider it a privilege to sit in the mother of all Parliaments every day and support the Government. But I know that my position comes with responsibilities, and I am determined to ensure I work hard to support trade and understanding, particularly in the Commonwealth.

Attending this Assembly has given me the opportunity to see the new Uganda –a democratic Uganda- I’m so pleased to see it prospering and thank you to the people of Uganda for making our stay so pleasant.

The writer is a member of the British House of Lords

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