Ugandans in the diaspora want voting rights

By Abou Kisige

Ugandans living in the Diaspora have asked government to enact a law that enables them to cast their votes from abroad.

The chairperson of Ugandans living in the Nordic countries, Eddie Bazira said that they are pushing for this legislation ahead of the 2016 general elections.

“As we count down to 50 years of Independence, we want to express displeasure at the way government seems to ignore us inspite of our large contribution towards the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product,” Bazira said.

He was addressing Journalists at the Uganda at 50 Nordics offices at former Equatorial hotel in Kampala over the weekend.

Bazira said that other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the United States of America among others, allow their citizens to vote from anywhere during elections,  something Uganda needs to emulate.

He said that with such a law in place, Ugandans living in different countries will be given a chance to have a say in the democracy of Uganda and be able to contribute positively towards the political, social and economic development of the country.

Bazira also appealed to government to enable them send a representative to the Parliament so that issues affecting them in foreign countries are looked into and solutions formulated.

He added that Ugandans in Nordic countries are to hold a series of activities in the build up to Uganda’s Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary celebrations intended to market the country.

The activities which will include a week-long conference will be used to discuss the ways in which the five Nordic countries that include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden can trade with Uganda and also market the country as a tourist destination.

Bazira said these planned activities that also include public debates on Uganda’s success stories, federalism and Uganda Nordic exhibition among others will run from October 1 to 7.

He said that Ugandans living in the Nordic countries recognize the strides in development that Uganda has taken over the years.

Bazira said during the convention, the Nordic Uganda Association will also be formed; a body which will promote social and economic development among member countries. It will also enhance culture and heritage.

 The country convention Coordinator Jackson Mugisha, said several political leaders in Uganda are expected to attend the festivities that will also feature music performances from Ugandan artists and games such as football matches and boxing.

He said they have partnered with DFCU Bank and Ethiopian airlines to handle transportation of Ugandans wiling to be part of the activities to Sweden at a minimal fee of $2000 with all expenses paid.