Doha, Qatar | By Michael Wandati | In a meeting held on April 2, 2024 in Doha, the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ) expressed its earnest desire for improved services from the Ugandan government.
Led by Mr. Saul Rayan Aliguma, the chairman of UGACOQ, the community urged the government to extend essential services such as passport issuance, National IDs, and inclusion in the Parish Development Model (PDM) funding.
Among the proposals presented to the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi by Ugandans residing in Qatar, the establishment of a business hub in Doha emerged as a strategic initiative to bolster trade and investment relations between Uganda and Qatar.
The meeting, overseen by Ugandan Ambassador to Qatar, Stephen Chebrot Chemoiko, served as a platform for constructive dialogue aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of the Ugandan community residing in Qatar.
During her visit to Doha, Minister Amongi signed a Bilateral Labour Agreement with Qatar, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of migrant workers in the Gulf nation.
In parallel efforts to bolster economic ties, the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ) put forth a series of proposals aimed at fostering trade and commerce between Uganda and Qatar.
Among these proposals are plans to establish diverse business ventures, including a business hub, hypermarket, and supermarket, demonstrating the community’s dedication to advancing bilateral trade opportunities.
“These ventures aim to facilitate the exchange of products, agricultural goods, and business ventures, fostering economic ties and mutual growth,” UGACOQ said.
“We are proposing a Community Home to host Ugandan citizens for cultural exchange and crisis support,” the Ugandans said.
“The project aims to provide educational support, build lasting relationships, act as an information hub, and provide crisis support services.”
Recognizing the pressing need to streamline passport renewal and issuance processes, the Ugandan Community in Qatar (UGACOQ) has recommended the establishment of a dedicated printing center in Qatar.
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Additionally, UGACOQ advocates for leveraging the Ugandan Embassy in the UAE to further facilitate passport-related services.
In response to these proposals, Minister Amongi conveyed her appreciation for the constructive dialogue and pledged to present a comprehensive report to the President.
This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of Ugandan expatriates in Qatar.
With over 25,000 Ugandans residing in Qatar, the initiatives proposed by UGACOQ hold significant promise in improving the accessibility and efficiency of passport services for the community.
