Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has said the role of Ugandans in the Diaspora is immense in terms of attracting investment back home and therefore, subjecting them to procedures such as paying for visas when coming home to Uganda alienates them and suffocates the patriotism we want them to exhibit.
The Premier said even if some of them hold passports of other countries, our laws allow dual citizenship and they should be treated as any other Ugandan.
“I heard that when you come to Uganda with your children, each child is charged United States dollars 50. This is not good for the patriotism we preach, no Ugandan should be taxed for coming home, “said Mbabazi.
The Premier made the remarks while presiding over the Uganda North American Association convention gala dinner in San Diego, California in the United States of America which marked the end of the annual convention.
Mbabazi, who was accompanied by his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi, also Chairperson of the NRM Women league, said the contribution of the people in the diaspora has risen close to one billion dollars per annum which is about 4.3% of the national budget.
He urged those Ugandans working in multinational companies abroad to attract investments to Uganda.
“Uganda is the only place where you come with a sack of money and exit without losing a single coin,” he said, adding that the investment climate is very conducive and that there are many investment opportunities in virgin areas such as agriculture.
Mbabazi said a special desk for Ugandan in the diaspora will be set up at Uganda Investment Authority to cater for their investment interests at home.
Regarding the registration for national identity cards, Mbabazi said that government is yet to acquire the necessary technology to enable registration abroad so they can only register if they come home. However, he noted that discussions are already underway with the Ministry of Internal Affairs for arrangements to be made after the 2016 general election to make it possible for them to register at their embassies.
The Premier said he had spoken to the leadership of the splinter group, UNAA Causes as well as the leadership of UNAA proper and that there is willingness on both sides to address their differences.
“I believe that the differences that are experienced within the Association will be handled in a mature way. Listen to each other and be ready to tolerate and compromise,” Mbabazi advised.
Quoting a wise saying, he said “tolerance is anger suppressed by reason and compromise is conviction forfeited for convenience,” adding that in all they do, they should place Uganda before their personal interests.
Mbabazi, on behalf of his family contributed United States dollars 5000 towards the UNAA education fund. He also promised to discuss with President Museveni a substantial increase in Government’s annual contribution to UNAA from United States Dollars 20,000 which it has been contributing for the last 7 years given Government’s high expectations of the diaspora community.
The Ambassador of Uganda to the United States of America, Olive Wonekha, rallied all Ugandans there to make full use of the Embassy to access services such as renewal of passports.
The dinner which was characterized by traditional dances and reciting of cultural norms and practices of various Ugandan tribes was also attended by Ministers and Members of Parliament.
ENDS

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