The president of the republic of Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni yesterday met and held a discussion with a group of representatives from 53 Jewish organizations based in the United States of America.
The president urged a delegation to invest in Uganda.
The delegation, led by Mr. Malcolm Hoenlein, the Executive Chairman of the Conference of Presidents, comprises 53 major Jewish organizations of the Unites States of America established with the aim of strengthening the Israeli–American relations.
Some of the organizations that were represented include: American Friends of Likud, Emunah, Zionist Organization of America, Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, Jewish News Service, among others.
The Jewish community which is on a visit to Uganda paid Museveni a courtesy call at State House, Entebbe.
In matters relating to the Middle East, President Museveni told the delegation that according to the Bible, both Jews and Palestinians belong to the Middle East.
‘‘I told them Uganda’s position on the Middle East is shaped by the Bible, which places both Israel and Palestine in the that part of the world. Therefore, we cannot align with a version of history that excludes either of them,’’ the president said.
“Our African civilization, based on symbiotic relations amidst a lot of diversity in tribal practices even within a country’s boundaries like Uganda, is a good model that should be emulated in other parts of the world to enhance peace,” he added.
Citing the immense business opportunities and the ready market in Uganda and regionally, Mr. Museveni also called upon the Jewish community to invest in agro-processing, minerals, and high-end professional services like specialized medical treatment and tourism.
“I am a donor to India because my people go there for specialized treatment. I urge you to come and build hospitals for these specialized services,” he advised.
According to Mr. Malcolm Hoenlein, the conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations decided to visit Uganda because it is a good ally and there is a good opportunity for both Uganda and Israel to grow together.
He thanked President Museveni for his hospitality, vision and the good development strategy for Uganda.
