📸 Ethiopians assured of peaceful stay in Uganda

KAMPALA - The Mayor of Kampala Central Division, Salim Uhuru, has assured the Ethiopian Community and other non-Ugandans of a peaceful stay in the city.

He said Uganda’s policy on foreigners was the best in the region and across Africa, where refugees and other categories of noncitizens stay comfortably with the local communities.

“Uganda has made it so open for our brothers and sisters to live comfortably in Uganda; there is no other country that does it better than Uganda,” he said.

Uhuru said Uganda’s policy on foreigners was the best in the region and across Africa, where refugees and other categories of noncitizens stay comfortably with the local communities. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Uhuru, who is also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) national Vice Chairman for Kampala district and a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), made the remarks on September 06, at a function where the Ethiopian Community in Uganda celebrated their Unity Day and welcomed the New Year, 2019 on their calendar. 

The function was organised by the Ethiopian embassy in Kampala and attracted several dignitaries from various embassies in Uganda. The President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Olive Kigongo, attended the function.

Uhuru’s assurance came at a time of growing fear and anxiety among foreigners living in Uganda following a directive by Kenyan President William Ruto, ordering a crackdown on foreigners engaged in small-scale businesses, which he said must be reserved for citizens.

As a result, many noncitizens, including Burundians and Ugandans, have started exiting Kenya.

Several Ugandans and foreigners from other countries also recently left South Africa following xenophobic protests against foreigners.  
 

“I appeal to you to use your embassy and my office of the Mayor of Kampala Central to report any concerns while you stay in Kampala; these offices are there to serve you,” he said.

Uhuru said Kampala city was proud to be home to a vibrant Ethiopian community and extended good wishes from President Yoweri Museveni, saying Kampala city is stronger because of the various communities that live in it.

“It is with great honour and pleasure that I stand before you today as the Mayor of Kampala Central to join our Ethiopian brothers and sisters in celebrating the beginning of a new year, 2019.”

“I bring you special New Year’s greetings from His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who wishes you a Melkam Addis Amet (Happy Ethiopian New Year).”

Uhuru said that the businesses, culture, food, traditions and hard work of the Ethiopians had contributed greatly to the diversity and development of the city.

“Kampala Central is stronger because of the different communities that call it home.”

He explained that the event was not only a celebration of the New Year, ‘but also a celebration of Ethiopia’s rich history, beautiful culture, resilience and the incredible contribution of the Ethiopian people across Africa and the world’.

“As we enter this new Ethiopian year, let us look forward with hope. Let us continue building bridges between our communities, supporting one another and working together for peace, prosperity and opportunity,” he stated.

Uhuru’s comments also followed concerns by the Ethiopian ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, over what she called the growing cases of suicide by Ethiopians living in Kampala.

She said she had worked on several cases and repatriated bodies of Ethiopians who had taken their own lives for unknown reasons.

She instead begged her fellow citizens, in the name of unity, to avoid taking their lives but instead report to the embassy in Kololo any challenges they were facing and promised to work on them.

“I beg you in the name of unity not to take your life; come to us. We know you are refugees, but don’t take your life. When you get challenges, come to us and let us remain together,” she said.

She said the over 130m Ethiopians living at home and abroad were marking five days of the 13th month of their calendar.

This year’s celebration theme is “Diversity: The Ornament of Ethiopia”, which highlights the rich cultural tapestry, unity, and shared heritage of the Ethiopian people.

In a statement, the embassy said that Ethiopia is a land of ancient heritage and immense diversity and described it as “A great and independent nation.”

“Ethiopia has never surrendered its sovereignty to any power since ancient times. It is endowed with a rich tapestry of history, culture, natural resources, and landscapes; the nation is actively building a society that embraces this diversity,” the statement reads in part and cited the ongoing inclusive national dialogue, which it stated served as a clear testament to this commitment.

“We are a people who have collectively sacrificed blood for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this nation. Through heroic defence of our borders and by hoisting our flag high above the mountains of Adwa, we have shone as a beacon for the global struggle for freedom.” 

Ethiopia is also proud of repeatedly setting a global example by planting millions of seedlings together in a single day. 

__________________________

Uhuru said Kampala city was proud to be home to a vibrant Ethiopian community and extended good wishes from President Yoweri Museveni, saying Kampala city is stronger because of the various communities that live in it. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)