The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has asked Ugandans in the diaspora not only to support the recently re-launched national airline but also to be its goodwill ambassadors.
Uganda Airlines returned to the skies recently after more than twenty years since the national carrier was disbanded by the government on loss-making grounds. The new Uganda airlines first landing was at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya, but has since had direct flights to Juba, South Sudan, Mogadishu – Somalia, Mombasa – Kenya, Kilimanjaro and Dar-es Salaam – Tanzania.
Kadaga made the remarks while attending the 31st Uganda North America Association (UNAA) Convention and Trade Expo in Chicago, Illinois. It is there that she used the opportunity to call for support for the national carrier.
“Don’t join those patronizing our airline. We need to support and market it,” Kadaga said.
She added that the aviation sector is an example of the great investment opportunities that Ugandans in the diaspora can tap into.
“You realise that the government has done more of tax holidays; that is a good initiative, but more incentives like lowering taxes and encouraging partnerships with government, there will be mileage for Ugandans in the diaspora to invest back home,” she said.
Kadaga added that Government has greatly improved 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 qualification for incentives. We saw it wise for any investor to directly employ a minimum of 60 per cent of Ugandan citizens and source for 70 per cent of raw materials locally,” the Speaker added.
Kadaga encouraged Ugandans in the diaspora to return home saying that the tourism sector has grown with more recreational activities for them to enjoy.
“Each day exciting activities come up. Like in Busoga, Ugandans participate in climbing the Kagulu Hills in Buyende every year; it would be more encouraging if the diaspora people put it on their programmes and join us in the activity,” she said.
