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17th NRM Anniversary: High Commissioner's Message

Today we are remembering and celebrating the 17th Anniversary since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) assumed leadership in Uganda. This is not a mere annual ritual. We are remembering those who sacrificed their lives to usher in the freedom, peace and stability that Uganda now enjoys. We also remind ourselves that their sacrifices were not in vain. Uganda enjoys an unprecedented rate of economic growth as a result of sound macro-economic policies put in place by NRM government since it came to power on January 26, 1986. The people own their government through periodic predictable and democratic elections. The Movement system of government, which emphasises individual merit as opposed to any type of criteria like party affiliation, has enabled everybody to vie for any political post without, for instance ,going through a sieving mechanism where one may run the risk of being unfairly dropped.

APPRECIATION The High Commission wishes to convey its gratitude to the following organisations that facilited in the 17th NRM Anniversary Suppliment in the East Africa Standard Newspaper of January 26, 2003: Regent Management Riley Services Uganda Railway Corporation Achevements in the Movement Since 1986, Uganda's annual economic growth rate averaged 5-7%. The socio-economic indicators and increased levels of industrial production show the remarkable progress tha Uganda has made over 17 years H.E. Francis Butagira, High Commissioner

The system has also fostered unity. This year’s Theme : “Consolidation of Peace in the Country,” is in recognition of the fact that without peace and security, no meaningful economic development can take place.

Kenya-Uganda Relations

With regard to Uganda - Kenya relations, we have continued to consolidate the excellent bilateral relations existing between Uganda and Kenya in many fields. Uganda looks forward to continued close political and economic co-operation with the new National
Rainbow Coalition (NARC) Government under His Exellency President Mwai Kibaki’s leadership.

Furthermore, the imminent resumption of donor aid to Kenya is welcome news to Uganda as well since the expected donor funds will revive the economy and infrastructure.

Kenya is the leading regional source of investments in Uganda. We are hopeful that investments will continue to flow into Uganda and result into increased exports to Kenya, to
narrow the trade imbalance.

I urge Kenyan and Ugandan businesspeople to participate in Trade Exhibitions to explore business opportunities available in each country. The East African Customs Union Protocol that is expected to be signed in November 2003 should make our region
more attractive to investors and encourage the free flow of goods in the
region while boosting cross-border trade.

Investment opportunities in Uganda still exist in the Energy Sector, among others, particularly in generation of hydro-electric power and Rural Energy transformation projects.

We encourage Kenya Companies such as KENGEN to consider joint investment in
power generation in Uganda to make power more affordable, and spur industrialization in
the East African region.

Happy Anniversary.

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