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‘Talk Only’, the biggest obstacle to Uganda’s middle-income ambitions, says Korea Envoy
Ambassador Park is joined by guests to stir his country’s traditional dish cooked with rice and vegetables at a function to commemorate Korea Foundation and Armed Forces Day this week.
Uganda’s dream of achieving middle-income status is very much achievable but only if it is backed by action, so said the South Korean envoy to Uganda Park Jong Dae.
Ambassador Park delivered a provocative message to Ugandans at reception to commemorate his country’s foundation day held at his residence in Nakasero Kampala.
Ambassador Park said: “I would like to share with you what I genuinely feel from my heart. Uganda’s economic, social, political development, its accession to the middle-income nation, is all in the hands of Ugandans. You hold the key to success. The challenges of the youth and poverty are very much surmountable. The only thing lacking is action, implementation and hard work, and this can only be done by Ugandans”
Also in attendance was British High Commissioner Alison Blackburne (R) and American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda (AMCHAM) board chair Dr. Abhay Agawal sipping wine
He added: “The problem of ‘NATO’ (No Actions, Talk Only) must be overcome. While Ambassador Park’s message was certainly directed at the greater masses of Ugandans, it is plausible that he aimed at the government, which was well represented through its chief diplomat and the minister of foreign affairs Sam Kutesa, senior army officers, permanent secretaries, as well as officials from other government agencies such as URA.
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The highly auspicious reception also was also attended by members of the civil society, academia, media and the private sector.
As remarked by Minister Sam Kuteesa, Ambassador Park’s remarks can not be taken lightly especially given his attachment to Uganda, a country where he attained part of his secondary school education when his father was Ambassador to Uganda.
“I think Ambassador Park has put energy and enthusiasm in whatever he does in Uganda. Indeed whenever he lands at Entebbe, it’s true he is coming home,” said Kutesa.
Finland consular Richard Mugera with wife Sophy Nantongo were some of the guests
Under the same spirit of helping to inculcate the spirit of Hard work among Ugandans using the Saemaul Undong ideology to rise from poverty and establish social infrastructure projects.
The Saemaul Undong ideology which has been witnessed by a number of Ugandans in Korea as well as in Uganda, is built on the principles of hard work, diligence and cooperation. The ideology is credited for having spurred South Korea to rise from poverty to prosperity in just under 50 years, the shortest period ever recorded in the history of economic transformation.
Among other highlights of occasion included Ambassador Park’s message of appreciation for Uganda for having ended its long standing military ties early this year with their rivals North Korea in compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2270.
“We greatly appreciate Uganda for standing to North Korea that such provocations are not acceptable. Our goal is to bring North Korea to its senses,” said Park.
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