KAMPALA – Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has urged Ugandans in diaspora to invest back home, saying it will be easy for them to access other markets for their products on the globe.
Addressing the 9th annual UK-Uganda Convention in London, UK that ended at the weekend, Mr Ssekandi said the Kampala government has good policies that favour the private sector and foreign direct investments, which are critical to the country’s transformation.
The Vice President said that the Government has endeavored to ensure a stable, safe and conducive business environment by instituting appropriate policies and putting in place physical infrastructure to ease the doing of business in Uganda.
British legislator Lord Dolar Popat, speaking during the same event held at London Hilton Hotel, said that Uganda stands a better opportunity given the number of its citizens in the various British institutions and agencies of Government to build a strong relationship.
He said several Ugandans of Indian origin occupy high positions in British Government which Uganda should use to articulate its interests, especially in technology, science research, trade and investment and urged the Government of Uganda to provide more platforms for interaction.
He also noted that the UK is forming new alliances as it prepares to exit the European Union, adding that Uganda with its historical links to the UK alongside other commonwealth countries stand a better chance to enhance stronger trading and investment relation with the United Kingdom.
Lord Popat commended Uganda for re-establishing a national carrier, saying it will go a long way in filling the void created by British Airways when it ended London – Entebbe flights saying the route once operationalised will bring the two countries even closer.
Minister for Energy Irene Muloni told the convention that Uganda has scaled several strides in achieving sustainable and reliable power for both domestic and industrialisation and invited European companies to invest in Uganda saying the country has a predictable investment environment.
She said there are several opportunities in oil and gas and Government was willing to work with entities in partnerships or outright concessions for those that would like to participate and commended Colas, the British undertaking construction of Hoima airport and invited more British companies to follow.
The convention attended by several Ugandans working and living in the UK and Europe, academicians, business persons was also addressed by Kampala City authority Minister Betty Kamya and several leaders from Uganda Government and private sector agencies.
