Editorial
Oct 11, 2003
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Patriotism: A prerequisite for Social Transformation. That was the theme of our 41st Independence Day anniversary that was marked on Thursday. The President, Lt. Gen. Yoweri Museveni, at the national celebrations at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala said it's disgraceful that we earn more from human capital exports than from the export of goods. He noted that total earnings from goods we export amounted to a mere US $475 million while kyeyos, Ugandans who live and do odd jobs abroad, bring in US $661 million. Museveni's observation is not new. If patriotism means loving, supporting and protecting one's country then Uganda has only two types of patriots: The kyeyos and the donors. Uganda is already reeling from the dangerous effects of running a budget that is predominantly funded by external donations to the tune of over 50 percent. The economic independence of Ugandans working abroad is newer and needs to be thoroughly studied and understood. Ugandans flee this country for two main reasons. They are either seeking better wages for their labour, or are fleeing political persecution. Unfortunately, the government refuses to end these two problems. Government must create conditions for improved incomes locally by either lowering the tax rates and widening the tax base or giving more incentives to the main sources of employment, especially agriculture. Instead, it prefers the tactical gains from increasingly raising the tax burden of the few people in formal employment and the import, export trade. Government can also stop the flow of human capital by improving the political conditions at home. Increased tolerance of views other than those of the ruling Movement class might even lead those in the Diaspora to return and build our economy. While government can pay lipservice to calls for increased democratisation from our donors and survive, the double-bite from increased flight of human capital and their political angst hurts this country everyday. |
� 2003 The Monitor Publications
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