KAMPALA — The Senegalese-American singer and businessman Akon has brought to Uganda 16 American businessmen and women to invest in key sectors including tourism.
Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam was delivering on his recent tourism and cultural envoy assignment by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Akon’s first delegation into the East African Country was coordinated the Office of Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora and were treated to a cultural dinner hosted by the President and Uganda Tourism Board at Latitude Hotel in Kampala.
Akon who was in Uganda the country for the second time in two month described President Museveni as a father figure to the continent who is working very hard towards the development of Africa.
Akon said Museveni is a Pan Africanist whose mission is to unite the continent for better fortunes.
“Museveni is a great role model for Africa. He has motivation for future progress of Africa,” said Akon, congratulating the 76 year old who was sworn in for the sixth term.
He who plans to build ‘Akon City’ in Uganda described Museveni is a Pan Africanist whose mission is to unite the continent for better fortunes.
Mr. Isaac Kigozi the Trade and Investment Officer in the Office of the President said said a Akon’s returning to Uganda a sign of great commitment and respect he has for President Museveni as well as delivering on his big role.
“As a special envoy on culture and tourism, it is Akon’s responsibility to encourage and pursued more people to come visit Uganda and take up investment which he has embraced in a short while,” Kigozi said.
Kigozi noted that President Museveni’s able leadership has indeed given hope and confidence to a number of historical Diasporas to come into the country.
On his part, the Senior Presidential advisor on Diaspora Affairs Amb. Abbey Walusimbi applauded Akon for his commitment towards investment in Uganda.
Walusimbi said that Uganda belongs to all citizens and African Diasporas regardless of their political affiliation, creed, orientation, race or gender.
He reiterated the President’s commitment towards wealth and job creation through the four (4) economic sectors; commercial agriculture, industrialization, services such as tourism and ICT.
Ms Lilly Ajarova – the Uganda Tourism Board CEO expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for the opportunity to host his guests following the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Kampala.
She said that Uganda is refered to as the Pearl of Africa due to its unique scenery, true African hospitality, amazing cuisine, cultural diversity and challenged the guests to stay longer and check out the beautiful country.
Ms Ajarova also highlighted the available tourism investment opportunities such as establishment of luxury accommodation, hospitality training and the annual Cultural Festival that will bring back African Americans to connect with their roots in Africa.
The 16 member deletion that came alongside Akon include; Simon Iyore Guobadia (Founder and CEO of SIMCOL Group), Shree Whitfield (Actor, Fashion designer and Entrepreneur), Israel Idonije (former NFL player for the Cleveland Browns)Andre Lamont Johnson (former NFL player for Houston Texans), David Fair Young (former NFL player for the Jackson Jaguar), Mussah Husseini, (Akon’s business partner), Dr, Fasil Tekola Ayele (Consultant Epidemiologist at the National Institute of Health of United States), David L. Anderson Jr. (Chairman Anderson Royal industries), Reginald Franklin(transformational entrepreneur), Dominique Alexander (Co-Founder of the Shade Room Media house, Activist and Philanthropist).
