Ugandans in South Korea ask for govt. support

By Parliament Press

Ugandans living in South Korea have asked for government financial support to help improve trade between the two countries.

The Chairperson of the Ugandan Community in South Korea, Paul Kaziro, also called for bilateral talks between Uganda and South Korea intended to improve trade relations.

“We are requesting the government [of Uganda] to make a commitment to fund the activities of the Ugandan Community in South Korea as a registered association that supports and empowers Ugandans living here,” said Kaziro adding that “If government could also organise more trade and market conferences, the Ugandan economy will get a great boast”.

Members of the Ugandan Community in South Korea met a Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, at Glad Hotel, Seoul, on Monday 6 August 2018.

The delegation that includes: Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi (FDC, Makindye East), Hon. Robert Kasolo (NRM, Iki Iki), Hon. Paul Sebulime (NRM, Buikwe North) is in South Korea to attend the International Scouts Jamboree Celebration.

Kaziro also said that talks between the two countries could lead to a relaxation of stringent visa requirements by South Korea for Ugandans intending to visit the country.

“If the government can have bilateral talks with South Korea, it would facilitate Ugandans to come and trade freely which would improve the economy of Uganda and the relationship between the two countries,” Kaziro said.

He recommended that government lobbies the South Korean government to grant more visas to students wishing to study in various institutions in the country.

“South Korea has vast opportunities for labor; I am certain that we have workmanship that can be able to do this work. Here they import labor from countries like Ethiopia and South Africa, why not Uganda?” he asked.

Kadaga said that although she was unaware of the presence of Ugandans in South Korea, there was a plan to support Ugandans in the Diaspora, which targeted North America, Netherlands and South Africa. She said that the target countries could be increased to include South Korea.

“I didn’t know that there was such a big population in South Korea. There is a plan to support other Diasporas, we can broaden and support can be sent here too,” she said.

She also said the Ministry of Trade would benefit from trade exhibitions if government were informed about the schedules.