Lt. Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation(ISO), has assured Ugandans living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of security once they come back to Uganda.
While speaking at the Uganda-UAE convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Deira, Dubai, Lt. Col. Katabazi said that ISO’s core values are to provide a sustainable, conducive environment for all Ugandans.
“I would like to guarantee all Ugandans living in the UAE security back home. In case you are scared, let us know when you arrive at the airport, and we shall escort you from the airport to your home at no cost in case you fear for your life,” Lt. Col. Katabazi said.
According to the ISO boss, the economic issues faced by those living in the diaspora stem from family members back home who con them with fake houses, misusing their money that they remit back home for developments.
“There is a system that we have come up with, where every Ugandan will get a digital address in a space of 3 by 3 meters for identification of postal addresses and land plots that can be identified on GPS satellite, which will contribute to social security,” he said.
The Head of Diaspora Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Johnny Muthahi Muhindo, who was in attendance, stated that, following the President of Uganda’s directive, the ministry has broadened its duties to include mobilisation of Ugandans living in the UAE.
“In recognition of President Museveni’s directive, MOFA established a department to mobilise Ugandans in diaspora, which was implemented in 2007, and Uganda’s foreign policy was therefore broadened beyond the provision of consular services,” he said.
He noted that the department also coordinates and participates in activities that set a national and global agenda for diaspora management, rights, communication, mobilisation, and capacity building. He added that there is a need to mobilise extra funding both within and outside the ministry structures.
The Uganda-UAE convention is an annual event that brings together Ugandan leaders, investors, and Ugandans living in the UAE to discuss and resolve pertinent issues. This is the 7th edition of the convention, whose patron is the Consul General of Uganda’s Consulate in Dubai, Henry Mayega.
