Ugandans in Qatar want PDM cash

The Ugandan community in Qatar has asked the government to extend them services such as issuance of passports, national IDs and have their share of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.

Mr Saul Rayan Aliguma, chairman of the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ), said this was among several proposals presented to the minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, during a meeting in Doha on April 2.

Among the other proposals is that of the establishment of a business hub in Doha in a bid to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

The meeting was chaired by the Ugandan Ambassador to Qatar, Stephen Chebrot Chemoiko.

Minister Amongi was in Doha where she signed a Bilateral Labour Agreement with Qatar to ensure Ugandan migrant workers are safe and their rights protected.

In a bid to enhance trade and business between the two countries, UGACOQ “proposed various business ventures such as establishing a business hub, hypermarket, and supermarket.”

“These ventures aim to facilitate the exchange of products, agricultural goods, and business ventures, fostering economic ties and mutual growth,” UGACOQ said.

“We are proposing a Community Home to host Ugandan citizens for cultural exchange and crisis support," the Ugandans said.

"The project aims to provide educational support, build lasting relationships, act as an information hub, and provide crisis support services."

To address the challenges in passport renewal and issuance, UGACOQ proposed establishment of a Qatar-based printing center and leveraging the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE.

Minister Amongi expressed gratitude for the dialogue and assured the community a comprehensive report would be presented to the President.

More than 25,000 Ugandans are living in Qatar.