The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has tasked the Ministries of Finance and Trade to urgently provide funds to enable Uganda participate in the six months world expo scheduled to take place in 2020 in the Dubai, United Arab Emirates-UAE.
In her communication to plenary on Tuesday afternoon, Kadaga noted that Uganda had confirmed attendance for the upcoming world expo but no funds were provided in the 2019/2020 financial year to facilitate branding of the country’s stall.
The Expo scheduled to start on October 20th 2020 to April 10th 2021 is under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” “Expo 2020 has been advertised by the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the last five years. Unfortunately, honorable members, the UAE generously constructed stalls for each country but Uganda has failed to brand hers,” said Kadaga.
She noted that it was urgent for Uganda’s stall to be branded to allow the country’s efficient participation on the substance of mobility, sustainability and opportunity theme.
She said Uganda’s participation in the Dubai world Expo would offer the country an opportunity on the international stage to engage in cultural diplomacy, interact with the host country and other participants, meet potential tourists, trade partners and investors.
The Kasilo County MP, Elijah Okupa said that it was an embarrassment for Uganda to leave its stall a skeleton. He demanded that the Finance Ministry provides funds to allow the branding of the stall to save the country’s image.
Masindi Woman MP, Bintu Jalia Lukumu said tthe expo is expected to bring together 175 countries, saying 60 countries have already confirmed participation Uganda inclusive.
She said that it is ashaming that Uganda, which has already confirmed participation, has failed to brand its stall and risks losing it to other countries.
The State Minister for Trade, Michael Kafabusa Werikhe told parliament that his ministry was working together with the Finance Ministry on the matter.
However, Kadaga shot back, saying his response wasn’t convincing since no figure is attached to the activity.
Kafabusa then requested for time to report back in the next week attracting rage from Arua Municipality MP, Kassiano Wadri who accused him of frustrating parliament’s efforts.
David Bahati, the State Minister for Planning said that the matter concerns government and requested for more time as the Finance Ministry engages the Trade Ministry on the required budget.
He said they would seek a supplementary budget if the money isn’t available.
He promised to update parliament on Wednesday
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