The 6th South Africa NRM Chapter Symposium has been officially launched at the Office of the President in Kampala, marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Uganda and South Africa. Chairperson of the South Africa NRM Chapter, Isma Luzige, emphasized the symposium’s role in strengthening this bond.
Set to take place on September 27-28, 2024, the symposium will be held under the theme “Social Economic Transformation & Navigating through Trade on the African Continent.” It aims to explore commercial diplomacy, business-to-business connections, and people-to-people interactions across diverse sectors.
NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, will deliver the keynote address, covering a broad range of topics including the digital economy, mining, education, and health. The event will feature participants from Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Eastern Cape, and all SADC countries.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, assured full support from the President’s Office, highlighting the symposium’s role in fostering dialogue and cohesion within the Ugandan Diaspora community. He emphasized the event’s inclusivity, noting that the discussions will benefit all, regardless of creed or political affiliation.
Ambassador Walusimbi also praised the South Africa NRM Chapter for its commitment to the party’s core principles of patriotism, pan-Africanism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation. The symposium aims to advocate for visa-free entry to South Africa for Ugandans and promote Diaspora voting rights, addressing the needs of the estimated one million Ugandans in Southern Africa.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Paul Amoru, commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his dedication to Diaspora issues and the establishment of the Diaspora Affairs Office led by Ambassador Walusimbi. He stressed the importance of engaging Diaspora communities in South Africa to enhance remittances and market opportunities for Ugandan products.
The symposium will welcome participants from various political parties across Southern, Eastern, and Central Africa, including the ANC and RPF. Notably, Uganda received $1.25 billion in remittances as of January 2024, underscoring the significant role of the Diaspora in supporting the country’s economy.
Norman Nimusiima, Chairperson of the organizing committee, urged the Ugandan Diaspora to focus on the symposium’s core objectives and rise above any divisive politics.
The briefing also saw the presence of Senior Presidential Advisor on the Middle East, Ambassador Ahmed Kisuule, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Sempijja, who called for active Diaspora participation to advance the nation’s development.
EVENT IN PICTURES
