Uganda has potential to grow, says Duke
Oct 09, 2012
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent has described Ugandans as warm and friendly people.Recounting his experience when he first visited Uganda in 1962, he said: “What I remember when my wife and I came here fifty years ago, is the warmth and friendliness given by the people of Uganda.”
Taddeo Bwambale
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent has described Ugandans as warm and friendly people.
Recounting his experience when he first visited Uganda in 1962, he said: “What I remember when my wife and I came here fifty years ago, is the warmth and friendliness given by the people of Uganda.”
The Duke also observed that Uganda was well endowed and had the ability to develop economically.
“There is no doubt Uganda has enormous potential for growth.
I wish you success over the next 50 years,” he said
He made the remarks at a reception hosted at the residence of the British High Commissioner, Alison Blackburne in Nakasero, Kampala on Sunday.
The Vice-President, Edward Sekandi paid tribute to British explorers John Speke and James Grant, the first European to reach the source of the Nile, noting that their visit sealed relations between Uganda and UK.
Sekandi appealed for more access to the UK market for Ugandan products such as coffee, fish and mineral resources.
He also appealed for increased direct investment and preferential treatment for Ugandans living in the UK.
Several government ministers, MPs and other dignitaries attended the reception which featured an art exhibition and performances from the Kampala Music School team.
Prince Edward, who arrived in Uganda on Friday, will attend today’s Golden Jubilee celebrations as a special guest.
He will be celebrating his 77th birthday.
Last Friday, the Duke toured projects run by Soft Power Education, a British-funded charity. The Duke, who is on a five-day visit to Uganda, toured an exhibition showcasing Murchison Falls National Park through photos, literature and artifacts.
The exhibition covering topics ranging from early explorers to the current poaching crisis was hosted at Masindi Hotel, Uganda’s oldest hotel which was opened in 1923.
The Soft Power Education charity runs three programmes in Buliisa district including a conservation education community outreach programme .
Through the project, communities are taught practical skills to earn income through conservation, ICT, tailoring, knitting and agriculture.
Today, the Duke will tour the East African Breweries Ltd plant in Luzira. The plant is owned by a British company, Diageo plc.
He will then proceed to Jinja, where he will visit the rapid deployment centre, whose main building was constructed with funding from the UK government.