Speaker Kadaga and speaker Tagesse Chafo of Ethiopia urged African countries to improve the transport network to enhance economic development
In a meeting between the Speaker of Parliament Uganda, Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and the Speaker of Parliament Ethiopia, Hon Tagesse Chafo on Wednesday 27, November 2019, at Uganda Parliament.
The two speakers urged African countries to improve on the transport network such as trade and movement of people is improved to enhance economic development.
In their argument, the relationship between Uganda and Ethiopia is very strong, and according to them, the two countries should improve the existing roads, railway and air transport to lead this development project in Africa.
Speaking, Kadaga noted that Africa has one big problem which is difficulty in travelling from one country to another. She says the transport network is either poor or doesn’t exist at all.
Kadaga added that African Union pioneers had a dream to link up Africa, but stringent immigration laws that limit the travel of people within Africa is hindering their dream, in addition to the poor transport network.
“The dream of our forefathers in the African Union was to link Africa, but we still have issues of visas; you cannot go to another African country unless you have a visa,” Kadaga said. “You may have to fly to Europe to come to another country in Africa. I think those are the areas we need to work on.”
Tweet
In her further remarks, Kadaga lauded the government of Ethiopia for equipping the recently relaunched Uganda airlines pilots, saying that this will offer and develop capacity in the move to develop air transport in Africa.
Also, Kadaga thanked Ethiopian airlines for its frequent landing at Entebbe International Airport, that’s five flights daily.
Hon Chafo is the lead member of a 60-man delegation composed to the business community, diplomats and culture, who are currently for a five-day visit in Uganda.
Chafo says their major aim now is improving the transport network in the Eastern Africa region which is currently very important as far as trade is concerned.
“The network from Uganda, Kenya (Mombasa), Ethiopia and South Sudan; this corridor is very important. The transport infrastructure is very important. That is our main focus,” Chafo said.
Tweet
He adds that currently, Ethiopian Aviation School is training six Ugandan pilots and still willing to offer more training to Ugandan pilots.
Chafo in his further remarks said that solar energy is an alternative to other sources of power, and currently, Ethiopia is constructing the largest hydroelectric Dam in Africa, which he says can be shared between the two countries according to the agreements proceeding between the two countries Energy Ministers.
“We are constructing the Great Renaissance Dam and I know there are agreements between your Minister of Energy and our Minister. According to the agreements, we can make arrangements to share the energy also,” Chafo noted.
Tweet
And as a result, Kadaga promised to offer support in this solar energy project, because it will also provide Ugandans with knowledge and experience.
“We will be happy to share knowledge and experiences on solar energy and also wind. But the focus will be on solar,” said Kadaga.
Tweet
Very soon Uganda will start producing oil, and according to the agreement made between Kadaga and Chafo, the two countries will corporate in the oil and energy sector which Uganda is perusing at a moment.
