Oulanyah wants structured support for Ugandans in diaspora
The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah has proposed action that deliberately aims to ensure government meaningfully supports the Ugandan diaspora.
There ought to be a mechanism through which the diaspora is incorporated in the government structure, for streamlined financial support, he said.
Oulanyah made the remarks as chief guest at the opening of the Uganda - UAE Expo Convention 2021 at Arjaan Rotana Hotel in Dubai Media City.
Themed "Connecting minds and seizing opportunities to create the future," the expo is part of the ongoing Dubai expo and brought together Ugandans living in Dubai, government representatives and other players.
Alluding to the theme, the speaker borrowed a quote from Leonard Ravenhill, saying: "The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity."
He said opportunities keep shifting thus every individual must exploit the networks, people and discussions such as annual conventions, for their benefit and that of Uganda as a country.
Oulanyah highlighted the need for a support system – in terms of policy, funding, laws and institutions - back home that can facilitate the individual aspirations of the Ugandan diaspora.
"Is there a system in Uganda that can hold your hand as you walk out of Uganda in search of opportunities. To support you, look after you and guide you. Is it there?" Oulanyah wondered.
He underscored the impact of the diaspora on the Ugandan economy, citing the remittances sent back home annually, saying it is important to create synergies through which government supports the diaspora activities.
"The structures within the central government and local government are clear. In the case of the diaspora, you have conventions on trade, investment, business and culture. How does the government structure finance these kinds of activities?”
Speaking at the same event, Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Wanume Kibedi, too, noted that the Ugandan mission in UAE has been mobilizing Ugandans working in the Emirates to get involved in development back home. Annual Uganda-UAE conventions are part of this mobilization.
Beyond investments from Ugandans, UAE has been a key trade partner with Uganda over the years with this trade valued at $1.85bn per annum. UAE is Uganda’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and Gulf region.
