Be patriotic, Kadaga tells Ugandans in the diaspora

 By Henry Mukasa  

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has urged Ugandans in the diaspora to love their country and come up with solutions to solve the problem in Uganda other than looking out for and hyping negativity about Uganda.

Kadaga made the remarks while speaking to Ugandans in the diaspora who attended the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention in Philadelphia, USA recently, a statement issued by Parliament public relations office said.

The Speaker, the statement noted, informed Ugandans in the diaspora that plenty of trade and investment opportunities abound in Uganda which they can explore.

She also commended UNAA members for their solidarity and encouraged them to identify and woo potential investors in the tourism and trade sectors.

"The Speaker assured the Ugandan community that the 9th Parliament will stand firm in the fight against any form of corruption and hold government officials accountable. This, she said, will enhance good governance and improve the trade and investment atmosphere in Uganda," the release pointed out.

The Ugandans in the diaspora expressed concerns ranging from; what they termed as high re-numeration for MPs and impunity among MPs and Ministers.

They however saluted Kadaga for her stewardship of the 9th Parliament and "strong resolve to fight corruption" and connecting Parliament with the people, including the diaspora community.

During the UNAA convention, Parliament of Uganda conducted an outreach activity under the theme: Declaration of Profitability and Progressive Independence. Kadaga led the delegation from Parliament that included several MPs, to the Convention.

The political forum was addressed by a panel of MPs; Adong Lilly, Wafula Ogutu (FDC), Gerald Karuhanga (Independent) Fred Mukasa Mbidde (DP - EALA). They spoke about the roles and responsibilities of MPs in Uganda and highlighted the developments in the Parliament of Uganda especially the 9th Parliament.

This 24th UNAA Convention was also attended by the Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter; Jennifer Musisi (KCCA Executive Director); Allen Kagina (Commissioner General URA) and Henry Ngabirano (Executive Director Coffee Development Authority).

Kadaga held separate meeting with the UNAA Antlanta chapter who informed her of the numerous investment interests in the area of beverages, healthy sector and aviation training. Later she met the Basoga Twegaite Association in preparation for the Busoga Investment Convention due to take place in December in Los Angeles. She also meets delegates from the Northern Uganda Forum who asked her to help lift the plight of street children.