Kampala, (UG): With the first-ever Uganda-Europe Convention (UEC) only a month away, dozens of Ugandan and foreign dignitaries are expected in Kampala next week as officials and organizers meet to finalize the convention preparations.
Next week’s meeting which will also see the convention officially launched will take place on Thursday, November 9 at the Office of the President Conference Hall in Kampala.
During the much-anticipated launch, the delegates are expected to dialogue on a wide range of key topics ahead of the landmark convention which will take place between December 5-9, 2023 in Malaga (Spain).
Speaking to Monitor on Friday, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi said next week’s meeting will also hammer out topical details for the upcoming event.
“Senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, private sector players and other stakeholders will dialogue on issues such as labour externalization, value-addition, immigration policies, land acquisition, tax regime and knowledge transfer during the meeting at the office of the president in Kampala,” he added.
In his view, Hajj Walusimbi said the UEC is an essential platform to foster new strategic partnerships in trade, tourism and investment, with focus on exploring labour markets in the European continental bloc.
“We believe it will diversify the economy and create new employment opportunities,” he emphasized of the gathering intended to be annual.
“..the UEC will attract industrialists to establish production facilities in Uganda, enhancing the value of our exports to Europe, particularly in the agricultural sector.”
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While this year’s convention will be held at Spain’s luxurious AC Palacio Hotel, in Malaga, the organizers suggest that the forum will be hosted on a rotational basis in European countries.
Meantime, the UEC seeks to engage the Ugandan Diaspora on their safety and add value to raw materials from the East African nation of more than 45 million people.
“This is part of President Museveni’s initiative for wealth and job creation in areas such as commercial agriculture, factories, services, and information communication & technology,” Walusimbi observed.
Founding UEC lead organizer Paul Juuko Kingsley added on to say the convention has a goal of deeply connecting Ugandans in Europe with those back home.
“The convention is a social network for Ugandans across Europe and Uganda, focusing on enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation,” Juuko remarked on Friday.
The event which aims to bring together all stakeholders for the improvement of the lives of Ugandans on both sides of the continental divide will run under the theme: “Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Innovation.”
Among the keynote speakers expected at the event include; the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, Foreign Affairs Minister Gen Jeje Odongo, Tourism Minister Hon Tom Butime, Trade Minister PS, Geraldine Ssali and Uganda Investment Authority Boss, Mr Lawrence Byensi, among others.
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