NRM officials to start visiting Diaspora members

Rogers Mulindwa

The NRM Secretariat has disclosed plans to start visiting its members in the diaspora as part of the strategy to mobilise more support for the party.

According to a release signed by Senior Communications Officer Rogers Mulindwa, the Secretariat has pledged to improve the relationship between the party headquarters in Kampala and those operating outside the country, with the visits expected to start in May.

The commitment was made today by NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba at the NRM headquarters on Plot 10 kyadondo Road, while meeting a delegation of 56 party members from the United Kingdom, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, U.A.E, Oman, Qatar and Denmark.

The three-hour meeting was also attended by the Deputy Secretary General Richard Todwong and the Deputy National Treasurer Dr. Kenneth Omona.

During the meeting various members raised concerns over frustrated attempts to lure foreign investors into Uganda and called for an immediate intervention by the party leadership.

The diaspora members also raised concern for lack of embassies or consulates in most countries, saying this rendered the lives of Ugandans difficult in times of need for help. The Secretary General promised to further discuss the matter with the relevant authorities.

In her remarks SG Lumumba reminded her diaspora members to exercise patriotism, and noted that some people malign government while in the process of applying for foreign citizenship.

“Many Ugandans are writing negatively about their country and the NRM government in particular in order to win sympathy from the foreign authorities. This should stop,” the SG was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the Diaspora members have praised their Chairman Hajji Abby Walusimbi of California, USA, for his tireless coordination efforts.

Weighing in, SG Lumumba said the party has not been facilitating the Walusimbi committee to fully execute their operations due to limited funds. She however added that things would soon normalize to make diaspora committees more functional.

Walusimbi did not attend the meeting due to other pressing commitments in USA.

“We take this opportunity to thank you for hosting the Diaspora team today and for always supporting our initiatives. We are happy and proud to be part of the NRM Fraternity and would like to contribute more to our party and country.

The Diaspora members are the unofficial ambassadors of our party and country abroad. We request your support in preaching the NRM idealogy here and our respective countries where we reside,” Walusimbi, who did not attend the meeting due to other pressing commitments in USA, wrote in his message.

According to Walusimbi, the Diaspora League supports and encourages the party to table a proposal amending the constitution that would remove presidential elections and adapt a majority party system as is used in the UK , South Africa and a few other countries around the world.

“This would then free up our Fountain of Honor, the National Chairman to concentrate on leadership and development of our country. This would also save the country resources used during presidential campaigns and presidential elections,” he added.

Walusimbi said the funds spent on electioneering would instead be channeled towards key areas such as health and education to improve the lives of Ugandans.

“The Diaspora would back the amendment of the constitution if the proposal is accepted,” he reiterated.