President Yoweri Museveni has called on members of the Ugandan community in the diaspora to work towards the elimination of imports of products that can be made in the country.
The President made the call yesterday at State House, Entebbe when he addressed a delegation of Ugandans in the diaspora together with students from various universities in the country who are undertaking a 10-day transformative leadership course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District.
The training, which is slated to end on Friday 18th January 2019, has attracted a total of 93 Ugandans from the diaspora from Europe, Asia and the Americas and 46 university students from within country. The major aim of the training is to make the Ugandan community in the diaspora become a reliable human resource to sell Uganda abroad through marketing products that are made in the country.
“Those living outside Uganda, may continue working from there and earn income. Uganda’s import bill of US$500 million per annum can be eliminated. Ge involved in wealth creation. Work hard outside and return to enjoy your country. We must work towards the elimination of imports into Uganda and increase its exports,” he said.
The President said that those imports must stop adding “we have got the raw materials for most of the finished goods in the country.
Mr. Museveni said patriotism is crucial as opposed to sectarianism. He noted that it is good to promote patriotism, especially among the country’s youth. He reminded them of the need to protect the country. He, at this juncture, expressed pleasure that the NALI administration has enabled cadres acquire skills in financial discipline and fighting the HIV/AIDS scourge. He reiterated to the meeting importance of discipline.
While cautioning them against extravagance, the President advised them strongly to spend less and save their hard-earned finances.
He said that they should strive to avoid catching HIV/AIDS and also wasting their resources in alcoholism adding that recklessness in life betrays their people who have hope in them. He was happy to note that they have been introduced to topics involving lifestyle management.