Gazette a day for the diaspora

By Florence Kiremerwa

Ugandans recently celebrated the 37th Tarehe Sita Day for the National Resistance Army (NRA) that led us in a revolution that has transformed the nation. The role played by Uganda's gallant men and women in uniform for the liberation of this country is commendable. They have continued to serve their country in different capacities. Those in the diaspora were never recognised not until during this reign.

I have dedicated my time and energies to explain crucial issues concerning the Ugandans in the diaspora. These concerns include the grievances and challenges they have faced in the recent times.

Notwithstanding, our contribution to the socio-economic growth and development of the country, we have concerns on what can be done to further recognise us as a section of society. We appreciate Government's concerns and the affirmative action undertaken in recognising and integrating the different categories of our society.

For instance, different segments in society have been allocated special days on which they reflect on their challenges and achievements: Women's Day - March 8; Youth Day- March 6; day for the PWDs etc, but those in the Diaspora are left out as a segment of this society. Are we not that important?

This demands designing of appropriate measures that may be suitable in averting the looming circumstances being faced by the Diaspora who have contributed to the socio-economic development of our country. In the same breath, this may call for execution of premeditated synergies that can be designed and implemented by drawing the attention of all concerned parties. 

We as a segment of society do also need the Government to set aside a special day; probably in December - Christmas holiday of every year; when the majority of us do travel home.

This may entail designing and executing of a comprehensive public relations programme that incorporates appropriate mechanisms for and between the Government and Ugandans in the diaspora. Suggested efforts may address the growing concerns from the younger generation, born and bred abroad, who are in dire need of coming home to seek employment, which they may not be able to realise.

These young Ugandans, crave to meet their fountain of honour, although in circumstances when he visits the different countries or cities abroad, they fail to get the opportunity to interact with their leader and share their views and opinions on what they observe as crucial for their integration in the development of the country.

Most travel itineraries crafted for the President do not include programmes or sessions for meeting with Ugandans living in the various cities he visits. Had the responsible officials realised the importance of the Head of State meeting with his people living in the diaspora, such a gesture would be a great platform to learn and share views with those in the diaspora wherever they live.

It is, therefore, crucial that due to the absence of such foras, where Ugandans living abroad can have meet the head of state whenever he travels abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the arm of Government, should spearhead and advocate for the establishment of a Uganda Diaspora Day.

This may be in December of every year. On the suggested date, the Head of State may then meet the Diaspora and provide an avenue to solve the issues they are bogged with, ranging from integration in the political arena; setting of a commission of inquiry against fraudster that have fleeced them in different business venture etc.

Such a day would go a long way in solving the many challenges and grievances the Diaspora have.

The writer is a special presidential assistant on diaspora issues
ugandadiasporaawareness@gmail.com