The US Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Deborah R. Malac, has said the comments made by President Donald Trump were unfortunate and upsetting to the African Continent.
Amb. Malac, who paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga on Tuesday 23rd January 2018, however said that the US would continue to work, support and improve the lives of people in the mentioned countries.
While meeting lawmakers recently, President Donald Trump, questioned why the US had to take in more immigrants from Haiti and ‘shithole’ countries from Africa, rather than countries such as Norway that would offer trade and foreign policy deals to his country.
Malac however, promised that with all the important work that has to be done they will not allow to be distracted but rather put their energies in more progressive work.
“We shall remain committed to and engaged in working with and in all the countries that we have been involved with on the continent, and continue with our programmes to help improve the lives of Ugandans,” Malac said.
The Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, inquired what would happen to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in Uganda.
“I would like to inquire about the AGOA engagement for the people of Uganda. We had started last year and had planned an exhibition with the Kenyans, and we have held on since then. I have seen the potential of many Ugandans but what is the way forward?” she asked.
Malac said that the delay to have the exhibition was due to the petition on the second hand clothes whose tariffs were lifted.
“The deadline was extended and sadly Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania did not heed to reduce the tariff and as a result of the petition there is anticipation that some textile funding will be withheld,” she added.
She further assured the Speaker that they would continue handling the AGOA issues and advised that second hand clothing, being a large business, provides a lot of businesses and should have taxes reduced.
Malac further assured Kadaga that there are fewer concerns at the Embassy as it now works hand in hand with the Foreign Affairs to streamline the processes.
It should be noted that this came a few hours after President Museveni confessed that he likes Trump so much that he speaks the truth.
“I love Trump because he tells Africans frankly. I don’t know whether he’s misquoted or whatever. He talks to Africans frankly. In the world, you cannot survive if you’re weak.that’s why we need integration.” Museveni said.
