Linking President Museveni with the Congressional Black Caucus
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As we all know, follow up is very important. At my June 20th meeting with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, during the CIMPAD Conference, he asked that a meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus be arranged so that he could garner support for the African Agenda, and members of the African American business community to explore business opportunities in the development of his country. Since the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, is a friend of mine, I offered to facilitate this meeting.
I met with Congresswoman Kilpatrick in July to discuss the President's request. She was very excited by the opportunity and requested that he make a formal request after which she would follow up. Following a series of correspondence, we were able to coordinate this meeting, and with the assistance of The Whitaker Group, on Thursday, October 31, 2007, Congresswoman Kilpatrick convened a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, in Washington, D.C. at the Capitol in the office of the Whip, Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina.
The meeting lasted almost two hours and 20 African American Congresspersons participated. Discussion ranged from AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunities Act, a United States Trade Act that significantly enhances U.S. market access for (currently) 39 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, to convening of a U.S./Africa Summit. President Museveni identified the types of business partnerships he was seeking with a special emphasis on the "value ad" necessary to enhance the economic viability of their products, and invited us to attend and participate in the Commonwealth Heads of States meeting to be held in Kampala, Uganda on November 23, 2007.
Congresswoman Kilpatrick, and those Congresspersons participating, assured President Museveni of their support and follow up on issues raised and President Museveni agreed to send a listing of opportunity areas for business development, education and technology support on which we could collaborate..
One of the highlights of the meeting was the request by the Ambassador from the Republic of Uganda, Perezi K. Kamunanwire. He asked if I would be interested in serving as an Honorary Counsel to Uganda. I am considering it. Will keep you apprised.
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