International music icon, Akon has delivered on his assignment as Uganda’s tourism and cultural envoy and brought to Uganda 16 American businessmen and women to invest in key sectors including tourism.
The 16 member delegation include; Simon Iyore Guobadia (Founder and CEO of SIMCOL Group), Porsha Dyanne Williams (Philanthropist, Actress, Musician and Civil rights activist), Shree Whitfield (Actor, Fashion designer and Entrepreneur), Israel Idonije (former NFL player for the Cleveland Browns)Andre Lamont Johnson (former NFL player for Houston Texans), David Fair Young (former NFL player for the Jackson Jaguar), Mussah Husseini, (Akon’s business partner), Dr, Fasil Tekola Ayele (Consultant Epidemiologist at the National Institute of Health of United States), David L. Anderson Jr. (Chairman Anderson Royal industries), Reginald Franklin(transformational entrepreneur), Dominique Alexander (Co-Founder of the Shade Room Media house, Activist and Philanthropist).
Akon, a Senegalese-American singer and businessman, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, was delivering on his recent tourism and cultural envoy assignment by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Akon’s first delegation into the East African Country was coordinated by the Office of Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora and were treated to a cultural dinner hosted by the President and Uganda Tourism Board at Latitude 0 Degrees Hotel in Kampala.
Akon, who was in Uganda for the second time in two months, described President Museveni as a father figure to the continent who is working very hard towards the development of Africa.
Akon said Museveni is a Pan Africanist whose mission is to unite the continent for better fortunes.
“Museveni is a great role model for Africa. He has motivation for future progress of Africa,” said Akon, congratulating President Museveni who was sworn in this week for the sixth term.
The music star, who plans to build ‘Akon City’ in Uganda, described Museveni is a Pan Africanist whose mission is to unite the continent for better fortunes.
Isaac Kigozi, the Trade and Investment Officer in the Office of the President, said Akon’s returning to Uganda is a sign of great commitment and respect he has for President Museveni as well as delivering on his big role.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch Starlink Direct to Cell Connectivity Across Africa“As a special envoy on culture and tourism, it is Akon’s responsibility to encourage and persuade more people to come visit Uganda and take up investment which he has embraced in a short time,” Kigozi said.
Kigozi noted that President Museveni’s able leadership has indeed given hope and confidence to a number of historical Diasporans to come into the country.
On his part, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Amb. Abbey Walusimbi applauded Akon for his commitment towards investing in Uganda.
Walusimbi said that Uganda belongs to all citizens and African Diasporas regardless of their political affiliation, creed, orientation, race or gender.
He reiterated the President’s commitment towards wealth and job creation through the four (4) economic sectors; commercial agriculture, industrialization, services such as tourism and ICT.
Lilly Ajarova, the Uganda Tourism Board CEO, expressed gratitude towards President Museveni for the opportunity to host his guests following the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Kampala.
She said that Uganda is referred to as the Pearl of Africa due to its unique scenery, true African hospitality, amazing cuisine, cultural diversity and challenged the guests to stay longer and check out the beautiful country.
Ajarova also highlighted the available tourism investment opportunities such as the establishment of luxury accommodation, hospitality training and the annual Cultural Festival that will bring back African Americans to connect with their roots in Africa.
