UNAA to unlock economic growth opportunities

The new interim president of the Uganda North America Association(UNAA) Eng Julius Lwebuga, has pledged to steer the entity into  a new-look phase of unlocking economic growth opportunities for Uganda.

 

Speaking to the New Vision on Monday, Lwebuga outlined UNAA's shift in policy, going forward. He said he wants to debunk the impression that the association only convenes social gatherings, to wine, dine, and merrymaking.

 

"The issue of creation of sustainability to benefit the locals, is very important and it is top of the agenda for UNAA.Ugandans outside Uganda have not done enough," Lwebuga said.

 

According to the association website, UNAA is the largest non-political formal association of Ugandans in the Diaspora.

 

The objective of the organisation is to promote the social, cultural and economic advancement of the Ugandan Community in North America.

 

Lwebuga, 26, works as a Project Engineer with R & H Construction Company in Oregon, Portland. He went to America in 2009. Lwebuga attended the University of Portland, Oregon between 2010.

 

He challenged Ugandans in the diaspora to emulate Kenyans in the diaspora. Lwebuga noted that such Kenyans have taken a keen interest in affairs back home and have invested heavily in the thriving commercial agriculture, and lucrative real estate.

 

In September, Lwebuga was elected Vice-President but became acting president after the board of trustees asked Monday Atigo to step aside over corruption related allegations.

 

He disclosed that the blueprint of the policy shift is scheduled for unveiling during the UNAA Trade and Investment summit, slated for April next year.

 

"The question is, how can we get farmers, small businesses, and traders to partner and grow their businesses," Lwebuga said.

 

Adding: "We as UNAA have reached out to 25 American companies, including grain storage systems provider SCAFCO Corporation, computer software giant Microsoft Corporation, and online retail giant Amazon, among others."

 

The UNAA leader disclosed that $1.6m has been sourced to build a Fistula Hospital and Maternal Health Hospital in Soroti. The partnership is between UNAA and Uganda Fistula Fund of Terrewode.

 

UNAA also says it intends to strengthen the Miss Uganda North America, which started last year.He explained that the beauty pageant will give young ladies an opportunity to grow as leaders.

 

Lwebuga said the although the $100,000 (sh364 m) annual funding from the government of Uganda is handy, UNAA is devising steps to become more self-reliant.

 

He explained that $50,000 (sh82m) of the money is injected into managing UNAA programmes like the annual convention.The other half boots the community development fund.

 

Lwebuga stressed that the UNAA chapters in different states apply for this money, and have to submit a work plan, and later make an accountability report.

 

He said UNAA is non-partisan and dispelled the perception that the association is an appendage of the ruling National Resistance Movement party.

 

"It is not true that the government in power has absolute control over UNAA. We very much cut across the political divide.For example last year, we invited Dr Kizza Besigye and other opposition.That is how we operate. We are Ugandans first and foremost,"Lwebuga stressed.

 

He remarked that UNAA operates with a sum total of $400,000 (sh1.45b) but that this should be increased to meet the shift in policy plans.