TORONTO, (CA): The ongoing 2nd NRM Canadian Chapter Symposium 2023 in Toronto, Canada has registered a resounding success as members of the ruling NRM party in the diaspora deliberate on critical issues affecting Ugandans both at home and abroad.
The symposium aims to strengthen working relations and tighten party roots, especially patriotism with the two-day event focusing on unity, dialogue, a prosperous diaspora, and promotion of trade, tourism and investment.
Among the prominent topics discussed at the symposium was the need for increased trade and Foreign direct investment which according to the attendees fosters growth in countries of origin.
“Under the stewardship of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM government and Canada Chapter is keen on this. For Uganda to develop, we must have a robust diaspora, which is able to market the country’s image, globally, in a bid to attract foreign investment,” the members urged.
In her opening remarks, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, who is representing the President of Uganda, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called upon Ugandans living in Canada, to join the NRM party and to also partner with the government to foster economic growth and development of our motherland.
“I would like to assure you that the NRM government is committed to supporting the people in the diaspora to lead productive and dignified lives in their host countries abroad as well as to participate in the political, social and economic development of Uganda. I, therefore, urge you to work at curtailing the misinformation and defamation being spread against Uganda by bad political elements in the Diaspora.”
Hon Nakadama expressed gratitude towards H.E. President Yoweri Museveni who made it possible for them to hold the Symposium and to the organizers of the event, headed by, Mr. Fred Kinene and Mr. Samson Kaggwe for their untiring efforts and commitment to ensure the success of the event.
The Minister of Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda in her remarks noted that the world over the diaspora has been a force driving the growth and economic development of countries, and Uganda is no exception.
Ms Babalanda explained that Ugandans in the diaspora make their contributions through remittances, to relatives back home which then act as an avenue for the transfer of new skills and knowledge, and that they are promoters of foreign direct investment, trade and the transfer of technology as well as tourism, research, innovation, investment and the country’s interests.
“It is hence the goal of the Government of Uganda to set policies that prioritize the interests of the diaspora community. This symposium is therefore meant to unite NRM members in Canada and those in Uganda and also to discuss different opportunities for the diaspora community to fully participate in the economic development of their motherland through promoting our Ugandan products as you have witnessed H.E the President promoting our coffee in different countries.”
The Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, pointed out that the Ugandan diaspora community is pivotal to the future of our motherland, adding that by investing back home, employment opportunities are created, thus contributing to economic growth.
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Hajjji Abbey Walusimbi, revealed that the second edition of the Canada NRM Chapter Symposium is a vehicle for fruitful exchanges among the Ugandan community in Canada, government officials, and the private sector, in a bid to promote trade, tourism and investment.
He asked the Ugandan community in Canada to put the divisive politics, aside, and embrace the spirit of pan-Africanism, unity and dialogue if our motherland is to achieve socio-economic development.
The animated discussions at the ongoing well-attended 2nd Canada Chapter Symposium, have different speakers taking to the floor, articulating the government’s position on uplifting the rights and dignity of the Ugandan community in Canada.
Among high-profile officials attending the event include; Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng, Presidency Minister, Hon. Milly Babalanda, Lands Minister, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Presidency Minister, NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja, Members of Parliament, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Hajji Abbey Walusimbi.
Others are; NRM Director for Administration and Finance – Hajat Medina Naham Ojale, the Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Affairs – Moses Byaruhanga, NRM Party Spokesperson – Rogers Mulindwa, Presidential Aide – Sandra Ndyomugyenyi, and several Officials from Foreign, Internal Affairs & Education Ministries, Presidential Advisors and Assistants, including Hon. Mutyabule Florence, and Uganda Hotel Owners Association Chairperson, Susan Muhwezi, among others.
The Canada NRM Chapter Chairperson, Mr Fred Kinene, and his Deputy, Mr Sam Kaggwe expressed gratitude to the President & Government of Uganda for the support, and the Ugandan community in Canada for having turned up in big numbers.
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