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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chapter in Ankara, Turkey has commended the Ugandan government for the good job done in the repatriation and resettlement of Ugandans facing hurdles abroad. This came during a meeting with the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, who is also the NRM Diaspora League Chairperson, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, at the Office of the President on Saturday 10^th February 2024.

The Turkey NRM chapter delegates during a meeting with the senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs, Hajj Abbey Walusimbi

On the onset, the Turkey NRM Chapter is instrumental in mobilizing Ugandans living and working in Turkey, to support the socio-economic transformation of the East African country.

In a meeting with the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, who is also the NRM Diaspora League Chairperson, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, at Office of the President in Kampala, the representatives exchanged ideas on how to find working solutions to difficulties facing their community.

Ambassador Walusimbi commended the Chapter for mobilizing Ugandans-based in Eastern Europe, especially Turkey, to debunk motives of negative forces, in a bid to support the socio-economic transformation of Uganda, especially the well-being of diasporas & returnees.

He gave an update on Ugandans repatriated by the government, and those still being held in detention centres in Turkey, confirming that measures are under way to ensure that they are returned home. “My office is open to all Ugandan diasporas. Let’s work hand-in-hand with government to design working solutions, to address challenges you’re facing. I will also bridge the gap with the mother ministry which is foreign affairs that stands to protect Ugandans in the diaspora,” He told the representatives.

On the humanitarian front, Ambassador Walusimbi noted that Uganda and Turkey are renowned for their hospitality, as they play host to the largest number of refugees in the world. Hence, he urged Ugandans in Turkey to abide by the immigration laws of the host country and use the already available legal services at the Embassy, to avoid getting themselves in trouble.

He urged the leaders to continue rallying members, to continue supporting the NRM party and taking advantage of the conducive investment environment created by the government, led by, His Excellency President Museveni, to put their money back home, and participate in developing their motherland.

On his part, the Chapter Chairperson, Mr. Hussein Opio, commended the President & Embassy in Turkey, for the great service, including all the moral and financial support rendered during the repatriation & resettlement processes.

Opio acknowledged the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Museveni, which has furthered the bond between Uganda and Turkey, hence offering employment opportunities for skilled, semi and unskilled Ugandans.

He, however, implored the Government of Uganda to arrange a path, which can absorb and optimally utilize skilled returnees. These, he said can positively impact on Uganda’s economy, through knowledge transfer and establishment of enterprises.

Spokesperson of the Chapter, Ms. Grace Birungi, called upon the government to bridge the communication gap with the Ugandan community in Turkey, such that members are information is disseminated for the right procedures to be followed.

The Embassy of Turkey in Kampala and Uganda Embassy in Ankara were established in 2010. Turkey’s trade volume with Uganda stood at $63m in 2020.

The Turkey NRM Chapter delegates with the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Hajj Abbey Walusimbi after the meeting

In this sense, representatives requested the Ambassador to organize an official meeting with Ugandans living in Turkey, to strengthen the relationship between the government and its citizens. The meeting is also projected to lure potential Turkish business executives, who could explore business and investment opportunities in Uganda.

Present during the meeting was the Chapter Chief whip, Mr. Pascal Kule, among others.