US to 'continue supporting Uganda'

US envoy to Uganda Deborah Malac (left) paid a courtesy call on Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga. (Credit: Parliament of Uganda)

DIPLOMACY

KAMPALA - The US ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac, has said the comments made by US President Donald Trump were unfortunate and upsetting to the African continent.

The envoy, however, reiterated that the US would continue to work, support and improve the lives of people in Africa.

"We shall remain committed to and engaged in working with and in all the countries that we have been involved with on the continent, and continue with our programmes to help improve the lives of Ugandans," Malac pledged.

Malac made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga.

While meeting lawmakers recently, Trump questioned why the US had to take in more immigrants from Haiti and African countries rather than countries such as Norway that would offer trade and foreign policy deals to his country.

Malac emphasised that with all the tremendous work achieved, they will not allow to be distracted, but rather put their energies for progressive work.

Second-hand clothes

Kadaga inquired what would happen to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in Uganda.

"I would like to inquire about the AGOA engagement for the people of Uganda. We had started last year and had planned an exhibition with the Kenyans, and we have held on since then. I have seen the potential of many Ugandans but what is the way forward?" she asked.

The ambassador said the delay to have the exhibition was due to the petition on second-hand clothes, whose tariffs were lifted.

"The deadline was extended and sadly, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania did not heed to reduce the tariff and as a result of the petition, there is anticipation that some textile funding will be withheld," Malac added.

She further assured the Speaker that they would continue handling the AGOA issues and advised that second-hand clothing, being a large business, provides a lot of businesses and should have taxes reduced.

Malac assured Kadaga that there are fewer concerns at the embassy, as it now works hand-in-hand with the foreign affairs ministry to streamline the processes.