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The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, has urged Ugandans to identify a unique culture that can be used to promote the country.
Speaking at a luncheon at the 26th Uganda North America Association (UNAA) convention in San Diego, California on Saturday 30th August 2014, Rt. Hon. Kadaga cited the Masai dress and the Scottish Kilt and said that there is need to identify one particular traditional item that can be promoted and identified with Uganda.
“We need to have something unique like our neighbours in Kenya who have promoted the Masai and their colourful dress and decorations. Why can’t we also market the Karimojong dress or any other tribe’s attire in this case?” Kadaga pondered.
She added that there are so many things that are unique to Uganda that can be branded and identified with the country.
“Our culture is our identity and it gives us a sense of belonging. We should strengthen understanding of our culture and continue representing and advocating for Uganda,” she urged.
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, in his remarks wondered whether the various cultural groupings in the diaspora would not undermine national unity.
“I appreciate the efforts of the many groups but is this in conformity with the notion of promoting the unity of Ugandans?” Mbabazi asked.
He however, applauded the Ugandans in the diaspora for their role in poverty reduction through their remittances back home. He added that the remittances had grown from US$165 million in 1998 to US$910 million in 2012.
“These remittances have a direct impact on poverty reduction because they go straight to the households,” he added.
He also urged the Ugandans living abroad to tap into the large investment opportunities now available in the East African community.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States H.E Oliver Wonekha encouraged the Ugandans to make use of the Embassy which is now fully functional especially with new equipment for printing new passports.
The UNAA Convention, which is held annually in the United States, was this year held from 28th to 31st August 2014 under the theme ‘Unity through Cultural Diversity’.