Uganda's Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, recently met with Lord Krish Raval of the UK House of Lords to discuss parliamentary cooperation, trade, and investment between the two countries. The meeting in Kampala focused on using relations between the two parliaments to support wider cooperation. Oboth emphasized the importance of building closer links with selected countries, including the UK, to support Uganda's economic interests. He noted that Uganda and the UK have longstanding historical ties, but aims to deliver more opportunities in trade, investment, and business over the next five years.
Oboth stated that Parliament is prepared to consider legislation that can make it easier for businesses from both countries to operate and remove unnecessary barriers to trade. He also emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy is intended to complement the work of government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting follows Oboth's visit to London in September, where he held talks with Speaker of the UK House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on closer cooperation between the two legislatures. The discussions highlighted the potential for increased collaboration and mutual benefit.
Lord Krish Raval, who was born in Uganda and now sits in the UK House of Lords, emphasized the importance of the rule of law in attracting and retaining investment. He noted that parliamentarians have a role in protecting the rule of law and providing the confidence and legitimacy investors need when deciding where to put their money. Raval's visit to Uganda included meetings with President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and other government officials to discuss investment and cooperation.
The meeting between Oboth and Raval is part of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. Raval's delegation also explored opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and business. The discussions highlighted the potential for increased collaboration and mutual benefit. Uganda and the UK have a long history of cooperation, and both sides are keen to build on this foundation.
Oboth's initiative to build closer links with selected countries, including the UK, is part of a broader effort to support Uganda's economic interests. He emphasized that Parliament is committed to creating a favorable business environment and removing unnecessary barriers to trade. This approach is expected to attract more investment and promote economic growth. The UK is a significant trading partner for Uganda, and strengthened parliamentary ties are expected to boost cooperation.
The visit by Raval and his delegation is a significant development in Uganda-UK relations. The discussions with Oboth and other government officials highlighted the potential for increased cooperation in various sectors. Raval's background as a Ugandan-born member of the UK House of Lords brings a unique perspective to the discussions. His engagement with Ugandan leaders is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The strengthened parliamentary ties between Uganda and the UK are expected to have a positive impact on trade, investment, and business. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and both sides are keen to build on this foundation. The discussions between Oboth and Raval highlighted the potential for increased collaboration and mutual benefit. Key areas of focus include trade, investment, and business cooperation.
Key points
- Uganda and UK parliaments discuss cooperation, trade, and investment
- Strengthened parliamentary ties expected to boost Uganda-UK cooperation
- Rule of law emphasized as crucial for attracting and retaining investment
