By Our Reporter
The Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Nelson Ocheger has played host to the Editorial Team of Festivals and Tours Africa Magazine. The visit took place at the High Commission Abuja.
Festivals and Tours Africa Magazine Editorial Team was led by its Publisher and Managing Editor, Princess Ayi Umo and Gloria Wilson to the exclusive audience with Mr. Ocheger on possible synergy between Uganda and other African countries.
Mr. Ocheger in the interview opined that there is no continent like Africa richly blessed with resources that can’t be found anywhere in the world. He noted that for the continent to be and function as a strong continent, “We must realize the strong similarities in our culture and down tone the disparities that seem to pull us apart, if we don’t accept our cultures, how can we encourage trade and investments?
“If we don’t accept and encourage initiatives like Festivals and Tours Africa Magazine, our story will be told and published by strangers to suit their interest and motives, ignoring the truth of the situation, and also discouraging potential synergies from potential investors.”
He went further to say that, Getting Uganda visa is two ways, either online where you would be given a code that informs you are accepted and then a visa at the point of entry. The physical visa application where you could apply with a hundred dollars for a tourist visa, plus the advantages that it lets you into three countries, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.”
On tourism and trade attraction to Uganda, the High Commissioner maintained Uganda is rich in games and natural reserves of endangered species of animals not found anywhere in the world but Africa, from lions, giraffes, mountain gorilla’s, elephants, antelopes etc. As well as lakes, mountains, boosting saying the peak of Mountain Rwenzori has snow at the top all the seasons of the year, even though Uganda has two seasons; wet and Dry seasons.”
On women empowerment and inclusion in governance, Mr. Nelson proudly replied that Uganda as far back as 1986 to 1994 when the constitution was rewritten, it was emphatic that women and youth are recognized as disadvantaged by sex, history, tradition and ability.
Adding that, You may wish to know that Uganda is the first in the whole of Africa to have a female Vice President. Constitutionally not politically women have a 30% representation which cannot be altered at all levels. Uganda recognize and respect the roles of women in development and their inclusion cannot be tampered with but can only get better. We also have women heading development banks, as CEOs, head of various statutory bodies etc. We could say we proudly took the lead in East Africa and by extension Africa, today others have followed suit including Rwanda.”
He ended the interview saying, No one else except Africans will develop Africa, no one else except Africans will tell their own story. There are lots of potentials to visit, grow, invest, and build itself. The onus is on us, each and every one, both public and private to play our rightful roles.”
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