The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama has expressed gratitude to Ugandans living in Canada for their continued and enormous contributions to Uganda’s national development.
“You are indeed ambassadors of our great Nation and you are significantly appreciated,” she said.
The Rt. Hon. Nakadama made the remarks on 27th September, 2024 while officiating at the opening of the 3rd Canada-National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chapter Symposium held at Ottawa Conference and Events Centre in Ottawa, Canada.
According to Rt. Hon. Nakadama, the symposium is not just a gathering but a platform that is significant in shaping the future of the NRM Party and its relationship with the diaspora.
She said the chapter’s primary goal is to mobilise Ugandans in the diaspora (Canada) and uniting them to support the transformation in Uganda.
“This will benefit the Country in several ways: increase Uganda’s remittances from abroad, attract more tourists, and increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). These will strongly contribute to a significant step towards achieving the country’s Vision 2040.”
She further thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the financial support towards organising the occasion and for his continued guidance to ensure that the Uganda- diaspora cooperation is strengthened in all scopes.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the NRM is not just a political Entity but a historical pillar in Uganda. Upon this rich history, we should strive to consolidate the NRM’s gains and successes over the years. These achievements, which we aim to popularise globally, serve as a demonstration to the resilience and determination of the Ugandan people,” The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister noted.
“We, therefore, intend to use this symposium further to build more solid networks with Ugandans living in Canada and relay to you the prospects and other critical programs and projects the NRM government aspires to implement.”
Additionally, Rt. Hon. Nakadama reminded the gathering that Uganda has gone through tremendous political, social, and economic transitions and these changes could not have been experienced without the support of groups and individuals who selflessly dedicated their lives and resources to see the change the country is experiencing now.
“Your counsel and guidance are of utmost importance to us as they help us plan, forecast, project, and implement effective government programs and projects. We believe the exposure you have attained over the years abroad is relevant to providing insights into the manner within which the government can do things and propose salient avenues worth exploring to push Uganda’s economy forward. Your role is not just important; it is integral to our country’s progress.”
Relatedly, she informed the participants that the government is fast-tracking the implementation of the ten-fold growth strategy that will see Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) move from USD 55bn to USD 550bn in the coming 15 years.
“This seems impossible to many, and the government has been queried. However, we are committed to this strategy that is focusing on Agro-industrialization, Tourism development, Minerals (including Oil and Gas) and Science Technology and Innovation (ATMS),” she urged.
“It is well-researched and has the capacity to transform our Country. Like the NRM model of work, we shall work with our people by strengthening and enhancing programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) that are people-centred and other initiatives like AFCON 2027 and Oil and Gas exploration (new sites have been identified where Uganda’s oil reserves exist and can be explored) where a native Ugandan will be given priority in project works.”
She explained that such factors, compounded with the diaspora’ support, can stir Uganda to the ten-fold strategy.
“Therefore, let us not be misguided and dislodged from the NRM trajectory of creating a middle-income Uganda by 2040.”
On the other hand, Rt Hon. Nakadama called upon Ugandans living in Canada to seize the available opportunities and invest in Uganda.
“Focus on value-addition projects that will develop our beloved country. Your contributions, expertise, and networks are crucial in promoting our shared vision of a prosperous Uganda. Your investment will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve livelihoods,” she said.
“As we continue to build a brighter future for our nation, I urge you to stand with us in the mobilisation drive for the NRM party. The NRM government is ready to work with every Ugandan irrespective of their political affiliation to drive meaningful change.”
The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda thanked Ugandans living in Canada for promoting the NRM ideology, especially the pillar of socio-economic transformation which has seen several investors flocking into the country to establish businesses and enterprises that are giving jobs to the citizens.
“I look forward to once again sharing more of these investment opportunities in Uganda and to invite and persuade more of you and your friends to come and take advantage of investing in the booming sectors in the country,”she said.
The Minister also tasked the participants to support the efforts of the NRM government under the wise leadership of Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, by advancing the positive image of the NRM government and providing a strong case for continued service to the people of Uganda.
“You are our allies and goodwill ambassadors. Do not spare any efforts to promote positivity about Uganda. We will provide all the necessary support where we can to enable you to act in your roles and to influence our more affluent brothers and sisters in these lands to come to our aid in the different areas of need,” Hon. Babalanda stated.
“We are now entering a busy elections period and a lot will be demanded of us in terms of preparations, mobilizations, fundraisings, strategy formulations and a host of attendant factors that must see us win fresh mandates. We will need all of your involvement and contributions. I invite you to channel your thoughts and ideas through your representatives so that they are discussed through the official channels and at the right levels of government.”
The ceremony was also attended by the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Senior Presidential Advisors; Hon. Sam Engola and Amb. Abbey Walusimbi and the Chancellor/ Secretary Presidential Awards Committee- Hajjat Zamina Malole as well as a team from State House, among others.
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