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The government of Uganda is engaging with private companies involved in labour externalization for the latter to establish insurance schemes for workers that pass through their hands.
This was disclosed by Henry Okello Oryem at the Office of the President auditorium on Friday, May 7, 2021. Oryem, the state minister for International Affairs, was presenting the foreign affairs sector's manifesto implementation accountability for the term 2016 to 2021. He was accompanied by his permanent secretary, Amb. Patrick Samuel Mugoya.
"The ministry continues to work in collaboration with the ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development to initiate and ensure that labour externalization agreements protect the rights of Ugandan workers abroad, and put in place measures that require labour externalisation companies to set up insurance for the assistance of distressed workers," he said.
Oryem said the companies need to invest a lot in giving ample training, acclimatization and keeping track of people they process for external employment.
"Labour exporting agencies need to understand and handle several issues. Many people suffer cultural shock when they reach their destinations because they have not been educated on what to expect. Our ministry is aware of this problem of differences in cultures and values; so, we can and do assist the ministry of Labour," he said.
Oryem reported that for the period under review, three Bilateral Labour Frameworks were signed with Jordan (in 2016), Saudi Arabia (2017) and United Arab Emirates (2019). Still under processing are bilateral agreements with Qatar (ready for signing), with Oman (proposal submitted to Oman in 2019), and with Turkey (proposal received from Turkey and submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for review. Future bilateral agreements are planned for Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon.
The minister said his ministry has continued to assist distressed Ugandans, mainly runaway maids in Middle East countries. During the period, over 5,571 distressed Ugandans were rescued, 670 of whom were in the UAE. He estimated that over 60,000 Ugandans are now working and living in the UAE alone.
DIASPORA AFFAIRS
He said the ministry gives priority attention to the Ugandan diaspora, who remain partners in the country's growth and development.
"We continue to pursue efforts to mobilize and empower them to make a greater contribution to the development of the country… Remittances from abroad [the diaspora are] the highest foreign exchange earner for the country… Beyond their well-known role as senders of remittances, the diaspora also promote trade and investment, create and spur entrepreneurship and transfer knowledge and skills."
Hence the ministry coordinated and facilitated the registration and provision of National Identity Cards and Dual Citizenship Certificates to Ugandans in the diaspora. Three initial National Identity Card Enrolment Centres at Uganda's embassies in Washinton D.C., London and Pretoria have been set up and embassy staff trained to deliver National Identity (NID) services.
Government continues to contribute $100,000 annually to Ugandan North American Association (UNAA); $50,000 as contribution towards holding of the annual Convention and $50,000 as contribution towards UNAA chapters and projects. These funds which are managed through Uganda Mission Washington D.C. have strengthened UNAA's capacity to convene and plan projects including for investments in Uganda. The ministry is lobbying for support to be extended to other Uganda diaspora associations.
COVID-19 RESPOSE
Since March 2020, the work of the ministry has been impacted by the pandemic and this has affected many of their engagements. In particular, the work of missions abroad was severely impacted by the lockdowns especially in Europe, Asia and North America.
However, during the lockdown, the ministry provided clearance for the evacuation of foreign nationals from Uganda; and provided clearance for the UN humanitarian flights to Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo and Somalia where Entebbe airport was used as a regional base. It later evacuated over 6,000 Ugandans back home and facilitated the return of 290 remains of deceased Ugandan who had died abroad.
While appreciating the bilateral and multilateral assistance received since the pandemic outbreak, Oryem pledged that his ministry would, through the available avenues, actively engage at bilateral, regional and international levels calling for a stronger commitment from the international community to contain the pandemic, and continue to call for sustained and critical resources to reach the vulnerable countries like Uganda immediately.
CONSULTATIVE MINISTRY SCORES 90%
Willis Bashaasha, the director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, pointed out that although many achievements of the foreign affairs sector may not be easy to see in tangible form and appreciate, they are many and subtle.
"Yours, Mr Minister, is a largely consultative ministry that ends up coordinating and collaborating with many ministries. Most of your actions are not tangible, but you contribute a lot to our country's stability and development," Bashaasha said.
To this, the minister complimented that by saying that their overarching mandate is the justification for their exceptionally long presentation. He then disclosed that their assessment puts the ministry's implementation performance at 90 percent.
The minister stressed that under the NRM government, Uganda has enjoyed good relations with neighbors and the rest of the world, attributing this to the government's foreign policy that promotes peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, especially with our neighbors, on the basis of respect for each other and mutual benefits.
Furthermore, the ministry has and continues to pursue a policy of commercial and economic diplomacy to promote tourism, trade and investments towards social economic transformation of the country, activities that have their specific ministries.
The ministry also champions Uganda's constructive contribution to regional and international economic development, peace and security, particularly through the regional and international frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
On commitment, "Pursue a foreign policy of peaceful and friendly relations with all countries, especially our neighbours, on the basis of respect for each other and mutual benefit", Uganda has structured its foreign policy in a framework of bilateralism, regionalism and multilateralism in a pattern of concentric circles. Hence, the eastern Africa sub-region and region in particular forms the inner circle; priority has been given to the development of relations with these countries to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable neighborhood, to safeguard peace, security and development within our own borders.
BILATERAL RELATIONS IN THE REGION
Hence Uganda is in good warm and fraternal relations with Kenya whereby the bilateral relations are pursued mainly through the framework of a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). The first session of the JMC was held in Nairobi, Kenya from March 21 to 26, 2019 pursuant to the Aareement establishing the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) that was signed on February 20, 2014.
With Tanzania, Uganda enjoys warm and cordial historical bilateral relations, which are mainly pursued through the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC). The third session of the JPC was held on September 3 to 5, 2019 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The bilateral issues with Rwanda have been handled with the framework of the Luanda (Angola) process co-facilitated by Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Four quadripartite summit meetings have been held since July 2019, aimed at normalization of relations.
All summits have been attended by the respective heads of state, a sign of the commitment to dialogue and address bilateral and regional concerns. So, normalizing the relations between the two countries remains a key undertaking for the ministry with guidance from the president.
Uganda maintains warm and cordial relations with Burundi. Having emerged from conflict and political instability that has shattered the economy, Burundi will continue to be a key ally of and Uganda which will continue to support the former in building the economy and its institutions.
Uganda and DR Congo enjoy cordial bilateral relations. The DRC is an important strategic partner to Uganda, especially in terms of trade and security. The duo has a bilateral cooperation framework following the signing of agreement establishing the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in 1986. The JPC meets every two years.
These bilateral relations have further been boosted by a series of high-level visits. President Felix Tshisekedi paid a two-day state visit to Uganda in November 2019, during which a number of decisions were made by the ministers and heads of state of both countries.
Relations between Uganda and South Sudan are cordial. The young country born in 2011 immediately plunged into civil war. Following several years of IGAD-led mediation, several agreements have been signed. Efforts continue to resolve the South Sudan conflict with Uganda playing a vital role both within the IGAD framework and at bilateral level where President Yoweri Museveni has on several occasions hosted different South Sudanese groups/factions in order to find solutions to the conflict.
However, the conflict in that country coupled with general insecurity and lawlessness has affected the bilateral relations especially through ambushes that disrupt movement of goods and people. Uganda through the ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged South Sudan authorities on border issues especially on the Elegu border standoff. The movement of traffic to South Sudan has now resumed. The ministry of Foreign Affairs is spearheading the process of border demarcation with all our neighboring countries starting with South Sudan.
Bilateral relations with Sudan have been improving over the years. The main cooperation framework is the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC). The 5th session of the JMC was held in Kampala from December 5 to 7, 2019 where the status of implementation of decisions of previous meetings was reviewed. The main areas of interest include political and diplomatic cooperation, defense and security. Details of the outcome of the 5th JMC are on file.
Sudan has been a big market for Uganda's tea and coffee worth $87.7 million. This market was affected by the economic downtown which led the removal from office of the previous administration. The ministry will continue to engage with the authorities in Khartoum with a view to ensuring that when the situation normalizes, that market can be tapped more.
The growing tension between Sudan and Ethiopia over the border dispute in an area known as Al-Fashaga and the outstanding dispute on the Grand Renascence Dam has led Sudan to approach Uganda for an understanding to mediate in these difficult issues. The ministry will, therefore, have an important role to play on these issues.
The bilateral relations between Uganda and Ethiopia are handled mainly through a Joint Ministerial Commission. In 1993, the two heads of state concluded an Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Uganda and Ethiopia. This Agreement also established the Joint Ministerial Commission.
The last JMC was held in Kampala from August 14 to16, 2019 with the aim of accelerating progress on the implementation of decisions agreed upon during the second session of the JMC as well as directives by the heads of state. The issues of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement on the River Nile and the Ethiopian Great Renaissance Dam are also very critical to Uganda-Ethiopia bilateral relations and have a regional dimension.
Relations between Uganda and Egypt remain cordial. The second session of the Uganda-Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held from May 5 to 7, 2018 in Egypt. The session was followed with the state visit by President Yoweri Museveni to Egypt on May 8, 2019.
Since the signing and ratification by Uganda of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement in August 2019, Egypt has viewed Uganda with a bit of apprehension. In April 2021, Chiefs of Military Intelligence of Egypt and Uganda signed a memorandum of understanding on military intelligence sharing. Egypt is an important player on regional and multilateral issues. The ministry will continue to harness bilateral relations for mutual benefits but also address any outstanding issues concerning both countries.
Relations between Uganda and Somalia remain cordial. Uganda remains the largest troop-contributing country under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and was the first country to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007.
AMISOM has contributed to the stability of the country which led to the return of the government to Mogadishu, from Nairobi, establishment of state institutions, and the recovery of an economy that had been battered by the civil war.
COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY
On the pledge of "Pursue a policy of commercial diplomacy to protect trade and investment", the ministry has been at the forefront of seeking market access for Uganda's products. Overall, Uganda's exports increased from $2.687bn in FY 2015/16 to $3.799bn in FY 2019/20 representing a growth of 41.38%. United Arab Emirates is number one Uganda's export market followed by Kenya, DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Turkey and Netherlands in that order.
Uganda engaged with countries through bilateral negotiations, Joint Permanent Commissions (with Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia), symposiums and exhibitions to facilitate trade in the region and with the rest of the world. The engagements in the region have helped to reduce trade restrictions hindering Uganda's exports.
For example, on April 12, 2021, a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting between Uganda and Kenya was held in Kampala to discuss and resolve, among others, the issues of sugar, maize, milk, poultry, meat, eggs and all non-tariff barriers affecting trade between the two countries.
The meeting agreed on a number of areas including: (a) Uganda shall export 90,000 tonnes of wholly originating sugar per annum; (b) Kenya will share with Uganda the food and crop standards regulations to enable compliance by players in export trade between the two countries; and (c) each country shall amend the applicable laws to bring them into conformity with the EAC customs union protocol with effect from July 1, 2021 regarding restrictive measures such as imposition of taxes of goods by both countries.
Another example, Uganda during the Joint Permanent Commission agreed with DR Congo to build five roads and one bridge (Mpondwe/Kasindi road, 80km; Beni-Butembo, 54km; Bunagana- Rutshuru road, 89km; Nebbi-Goli-Mahagi-Bunia, 181km; and Rwebisengo-Budiba-Bunia including construction of a bridge across River Semuliki), to boost trade and relations between the two countries. The duo has also agreed on marine transport on lakes Albert and Edward.
Uganda is also seeking alternative markets beyond the region for export of Uganda's products such as dairy products, beef, poultry and maize. For example, in August 2020, Algeria agreed in principle to import Uganda's dairy products in the form of powdered milk. Government has already sent samples to Algeria which are currently undergoing tests.
The minister then listed more than 14 investments attracted into Uganda from Netherlands, Egypt, China, UAE, Germany and Turkey.
PROMOTING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The ministry has been active in promoting Uganda's tourism potential and products in foreign countries. Through its missions abroad, it continues to participate in the following major exhibitions to showcase tourism products: China International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE), Annual World Travel Market in London UK, ITB Berlin and Indaba-South Africa.
In the same cause, the ministry engaged and assisted10 Malaysian tour and travel agents visit Uganda in February 2019 on a familiarization trip to promote tourism and investment as well as build a positive image of Uganda within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Some 17 travel agents, exhibition consultants and travel journalists were engaged and continue to build a strong relationship with the embassy in Rome. Also, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Development and Promotion of Tourism and Cultural Heritage between the Uganda and the Russian Federation.
Further, the ministry engaged the government of Hungary who are going to finance an electronic information display system for outdoor advertising in an effort to promote Uganda's tourism as well as conduct a national workshop in Uganda on exploiting the tourism potential of hot springs.
The ministry successfully sourced for the construction of an International Convention Centre in Entebbe and a Mahatma Gandhi Convention /Heritage Centre in Jinja from the government of India. The issuance of a land title by ministry of Lands is ongoing.
Through its mission in New Delhi, the ministry brought in Indian film producers and travel agents to assess Uganda's capacity and potential in film production and tourism. The ministry and the missions abroad continue to attract conferences that bring in a lot of foreign exchange.
For example, the ministry was set to host a G-77 summit in April 2020 until the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. The country would have hosted over 4,000 delegates from 135 countries; something that would have brought in a lot of foreign exchange.
Also, a memorandum of understanding on the East Africa Tourist Visa was signed to enhance cooperation and promotion of tourism of the three partner states as a single tourist destination through issuance of the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV). This enables tourists to visit all the three Northern Corridor partner states (Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) with a single visa.
Following the revival of the national carrier (Uganda Airlines), the ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the ministry of Works and Transport and Uganda Airlines, have held bilateral negotiations to revive 16 Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) between Uganda and Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, DRC, Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, UAE, UK and India. (Uganda had in the past signed 46 BASAs.)
This has paved way for the designation acceptance of Uganda Airlines to operate cargo and passenger flights to East Africa, the rest of Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. In this regard, the Airline is currently operating flights to nine destinations: Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Bujumbura, Kinshasa, Juba and Mogadishu.
REGIONAL, INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY
To "Championing Uganda's constructive contribution to regional and international economic development, peace and security", the ministry supports peace initiatives in Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi; participates in regional and international meetings for peace and security, and ensures that Uganda continues to host the UN Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.
Just one example, Uganda actively participated in the stabilisation of South Sudan and is a guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Uganda has worked within the framework of IGAD to find a solution to the conflicts in South Sudan.
Efforts continue to resolve the South Sudan conflict with Uganda playing vital role both within the IGAD framework and at bilateral level where President Museveni has on several occasions hosted different South Sudanese groups/factions in order to find solutions to the conflict.
The United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe (UNRSCE) supports peace and security keeping missions of DR Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Somalia. Its presence has played a big role in increasing investment in Entebbe and the country especially in the real estate sector (e.g. hotels and apartments).
There has been increased tourism activities, foreign exchange inflows, social infrastructure in Entebbe and increased business and job opportunities for Ugandans. The campaign efforts both in Uganda and abroad by the ministry have been key in ensuring that the UN regional continues to be hosted in Entebbe.
The ministry has been handy in developing ICT infrastructure across the borders. The gains include: (a) harmonization and utilization of cross-border connectivity and establishment of regional standards; (b) harmonization of legal and regulatory framework for effective SIM card registration linked to National ID database; (c) Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda are now implementing a One Network Area on roaming (voice and SMS). Work is in progress to introduce harmonized roaming on data and mobile financial services. The three states have also concluded a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on cyber security.
Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda can now move across the three states using national identity cards (passports not necessary); there is in place an agreement on Total Liberalization of Free Movement of Labour and Free Movement of Services; and a number of one-stop border posts along the Northern Corridor have been completed and are fully operational. These are Busia, Malaba, Mirama Hills and Mutukula.
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