The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has asked Ugandans in the diaspora not only to support the recently relaunched national airline but also to market it amongst their circles.
Kadaga was responding patronizing comments made about Uganda Airlines when it made the inaugural flight to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Airline this week started commercial flights to several African destinations and Kadaga used her presence at the 31st Uganda North America Association (UNAA) Convention and Trade Expo in Chicago, Illinois to laud support for the national carrier that has been out of the airspace for over 18 years. The UNAA Convention is running from August 29th – 1st September 2019.
“Don’t join those patronizing our airline. We need to support and market it,” Kadaga said adding that the aviation sector is an example of the great investment opportunities that Ugandans in the diaspora can invest in.
“You realize that the government has done more of tax holidays, that’s a good initiative, but more incentives, like lowering taxes and encouraging partnerships with government shall give more millage for Ugandans in the diaspora to invest more back home,” she said.
Kadaga noted that the Government has greatly improved on the road network, revamped the airline and passed laws that make Uganda one of the best investment destinations.
“Parliament passed the Investment Code Act, 2019 and the most important part in the law is the qualifications for incentives. We saw it wise for any investor to directly employ a minimum of 60% Ugandan citizens and source of 70% of raw materials locally,” the speaker added.
Kadaga also encourage Ugandans in diaspora to always come back home especially with your children for them to appreciate their mother land.
“Uganda’s tourism has grown and each day exciting activities and cites come up. Like in Busoga, the Kagulu Hills in Buyende, that Ugandans participate in its climbing every year, it would be more encouraging if the diaspora people put it on program and join us in the climbing” she said.
Kadaga concluded by warning Ugandans in North America to desist from any forms of disunity and to always strive to resolves their differences especially political ones amicably and quickly. The speaker further warned that infighting especially due to elections is not new but should not threaten to tear and association that UNAA apart.
“Basing on the contribution the association is providing to both Ugandans here and those back home, it will be very embarrassing to seek just mere elections causing divisions in the great association,” she added.
