Doha, Qatar: Strategies for enhancing the community’s well-being, and fostering positive relations with the host country, shaped an extensive discussion between the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs & Ambassador at Large, H.E. Hajji Abbey Walusimbi, and leaders of the Ugandan Community in Qatar.

The interface was against the backdrop of a virtual meeting held last month.

In his remarks, Ambassador Walusimbi reaffirmed H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s commitment toward uplifting the welfare of his ‘Bazzukulu’, abroad, adding that the President has instructed the formation of different Diaspora desks in almost all government institutions, departments and agencies.

He added that the President is consistently engaging with more of his counterparts to open doors for Ugandans, to seek greener pastures, adding that the Government and the private sector are also working with other countries beyond the Gulf region, to see that more Ugandans access decent jobs, on top of a labour bilateral Agreement, which will next month be signed with Qatar.

Walusimbi implored Ugandans abroad, to learn from the President, by making friends for the country and becoming international salesmen of Uganda, by taking interest in areas where the country needs growth like tourism and agro-processing, among others.

Most importantly, Walusimbi disclosed that he engaged with different officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and NIRA.
“We know for a fact that everything is being done to address issues of your passports and National IDs, among other challenges. There is an ongoing project to deploy more workers at the different Ugandan missions abroad, to help clear any backlogs in document processing.”

He also applauded the Mission staff for representing Uganda’s interests in Qatar, and the Ugandan Community in Qatar for being united and well-organized, adding that groups make it easier for the government to work on challenges facing Ugandan migrant workers.

The Deputy Ambassador of Uganda to Qatar, Ambassador Muhammad Kezaala, noted that as the Mission in Qatar, the destination country, it’s their mandate and wish that the rights, welfare and obligations of all Ugandan migrant domestic workers are guaranteed.

Ambassador Kezaala noted that there are initiatives by the Embassy to support community members on financial matters, creating small ventures, and providing para-legal support.

Kezaala mentioned that the Embassy has an outreach program, intending to recruit more staff, who will aid in speeding up document attestation, registration of members, and issuing relevant papers.

He also acknowledged that UGACOQ had requested for a desk at the Embassy, to offer para-legal services, adding that the concern is being handled.

Chairperson of the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ), Mr. Aliguma Saul Rayan, emphasized the importance of addressing various issues affecting the members.

He called for the need to support new arrivals in Qatar, by providing assistance and guidance, including practical advice, sharing information about resources, and offering a sense of belonging.

Mr. Aliguma said there is a need to put in place support networks for vulnerable community members, to cater for social, health, and financial needs.

He encouraged community members to work hand in hand, to implement the discussed initiatives, and to improve the general welfare of Ugandans in Qatar.

Conclusively, UGACOQ leaders highlighted the importance of unity and dialogue amongst members, suggesting possible areas, where they can benefit from support from the Embassy.