Consul General of Uganda in Mombasa Ambassador Katureebe Tayebwa called on Ugandans living in the diaspora to embrace the spirit of hard work, togetherness, cooperation through formation of constructive SACCOS, said officials in a statement.
He also urged them to take up business opportunities where they can export goods or produce for the Kenyan market.
Katurebe made the remarks as he hosted celebrations to mark Uganda’s 55th Independence Anniversary on Saturday October 21 at the Chancery.
According to a statement from the Consulate, he reaffirmed that the Consulate was ready to give advice and identify opportunities available.
He also encouraged diasporans to make use of the Consulate which was established after pleas and requests that the Ugandan community needed services closer to the people as the mission in Nairobi was too far.
He further encouraged all the Uganda Diaspora to register with the Consulate.
This was the second time the Consulate was hosting Independence celebrations since the Mission was established in Mombasa in 2015.
The first event was the official launch of the Consulate which coincided with the Independence Day celebrations that was held last year on October 15, 2016.
The event was attended by over 300 people including members of the diplomatic corp, Honary Consuls, Deputy County Commissioner, Ugandan officials from International organisations, members of from both the Consulate and Uganda High Commission Nairobi, religious leaders and Ugandan diaspora.
Addressing the Ugandan diaspora, Amb. Katureebe expressed his appreciation to the team that offered both their time and resources to make the function a success and also thanked everyone for honouring the invitation and turned up to celebrate with the Consulate.
In recognition of the contributions of the Diaspora, the Consulate has opened a new chapter of acknowledging the good services of Ugandans living in Mombasa in the different fields by giving out the “Consul General’s Award”.
Two Ugandans were selected as beneficiaries of the award for the first time ever and these were Mr. William Lusaabya Kidiima Uganda Traders’ Representative , for his many years of service at the Port of Mombasa and Mr. Julius Rubagumya an official with Uganda Revenue Authority stationed at the Port of Mombasa for his enthusiasm, hard work and patriotism who together who opened the URA office in Mombasa and Kenya as a whole and now has a team of over 30 young dedicated Ugandans working under him.
Speeches were also made by the Deputy County Commissioner-Nyali Constituency Mr. Marete Joseph and also by Mr. Fred Tumwebaze a Ugandan that was selected to speak on behalf of the Ugandan diaspora in Mombasa and called upon the Ugandans to work together and take advantage of the business opportunities in Kenya.
The event also had entertainment from cultural dance troupe showcasing cultural dances from Uganda and a cake cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the Independence Day celebrations.