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Ugandan expats mark Independence Day for first time in UAE

Dubai - The 55th Independence anniversary, which was organised by the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE, was celebrated on Monday.

The Ugandan community in the UAE had their first-ever Independence Day celebrations in the country.
The 55th Independence anniversary, which was organised by the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE, was celebrated on Monday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Uganda got their independence from the British colonialists on October 9, 1962.
Henry Oryem Okello, Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs who was the chief guest at the event said, "The Ugandans working from the UAE are contributing a lot to Uganda's economy in the form of remittance with over $300 million annually." 
The minister also called upon UAE businessmen invest in Uganda. "I urge investors to come and do business in Uganda. There are many opportunities for investments in Uganda including petroleum, manufacturing, agricultural farming, to name a few," said Okello. The minister said that Uganda has no limitation to repatriating funds and that whatever an investor makes in profits, he can take back home. 
Cultural activities and a cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the Independence Day. The celebrations also marked the end of a three-day convention and exhibition at Grand Hyatt Hotel that showcased agricultural products including fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and other items from Uganda. 
"As Ugandans, we should consider the independence as a day to think how we can redirect our energies to the development of Uganda so we stand tall and firm among other nations," said Nimisha J. Madhvani, the new Ugandan Ambassador to the UAE. 
Abdul Basti Nsubuga, chairman of the Ugandan community in the UAE, said: "The Independence Day portrays unity and freedom for Uganda as many people sacrificed their life. The nation has achieved a lot in all these years since we gained independence."
Huzairu Kiggundu, a Uganda car dealer in Dubai said: "My country's independence means unity, peace and strength."
"The relationship between Uganda and the UAE is very strong. Uganda has signed trade agreements, labour export agreement and many others," said Madhvani.
She said the trade, including imports and exports, between the two countries, stands at more than $600 million according to recent figures.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com