Tom Chiahemen
Ugandans living in Nigeria on Tuesday marked their country’s 60 years of independence from British rule.
Uganda became independent from British colonial rule on Oct. 9, 1962.
Speaking at an event organised by the Ugandan High Commission in Nigeria, Amb. Nelson Ocheger said his country had recorded tremendous achievements over the past three decades since it gained freedom from colonial rule.
“The country is peaceful, secure, and stable.
“It is an evidence of socio-economic transformation we see in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, power supply, ICT development, manufacturing, agro-processing, industrialisation, and market expansion.
“The economy has become vibrant and there are vast opportunities for trade, investment, and industrialisation irrespective of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
“Tourism has bounced back to become a leading foreign exchange earner and a key sector for economic growth and development.
“Other investment opportunities that are available in Uganda include agro-processing, infrastructural development, oil and gas, mineral exploitation, and exploration, iron and steel, ICT, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and service sector.
“Uganda is one of the leading exporters of coffee, sugar, tea, dairy and Milk products including other agricultural products such as fish.
“We implore the business operators and investors in Nigeria and the entire West Africa to take advantage of the conducive investment climate and incentives available for trade and investment in Uganda,” he said.
The high commissioner observed that Uganda and Nigeria enjoy very close relations rooted in their history and shared values.
“We share Pan-Africanism, sovereign equality of states, observing fundamental human rights and freedoms, peace, stability and development in Uganda and Nigeria.
“This fraternity and relations have been strengthened by the regular exchange of visits at the presidential level and by senior government officials.
“I wish once again to congratulate Nigeria upon its 62th independence anniversary on Oct. 1.
“I wish you success in all aspects of your endeavours to achieve peace, unity, and development of this great country,” Ocheger said.
He added that Air Uganda would soon launch direct flights to Lagos from Entebbe.
“This will not only create and expand business opportunities, but will strengthen and heighten the flow of merchandise and tourists and increase people-to-people interaction,” Ocheger said.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, represented by Amb. Umar Salisu congratulated Uganda on its 60th anniversary, saying Ugandans and Nigerians “are like brothers and sisters”.
“We are bound together by close cultures and social administrations.
“For decades our people lived side-by-side and shared a common destiny, and contributed extensively to the activity of The Commonwealth and African Union.
“We’ve made important strides together and diversified our relations both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, especially in the past decade.
“Our two countries have been able to establish a functional business forum with an increase in trade volume between us.
“There are many Nigerian businessmen established in Uganda including some Nigerian banks. Same with Ugandan businessmen here in Nigeria.
“This has improved people-to-people interaction.
“We hope that the launch of Air Uganda flight from Entebbe to Lagos will further strengthen our relations,” Salisu said.(NAN)
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