By Hon Oguzu Lee Denis, MP for Maracha Constituency.
West Nile: IDI Amin is more than a political figure. His name can be a source of wealth, jobs and livilihood for the region and nation if we narture.
Akin to Nelson Mandela, Amin's name can become a source of wealth and livilihood for many people through tourism and its multiplier effect. Like Mandela House in Soweto (now Nelson Mandela National Moseum) which receives 700 to 1,000 visitors every day from all over the world, a proposed IDI Amin Moseum in Arua City can be a destination for global community seeking to explore the mystery sorrounding the life of Idi Amin.
Just like for South African locals cognizant of the opportunities that abound Mandela House located at No. 8115 at the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane streets in Soweto, the proposed IDI Amin Moseum can be offer market for local food, arts and crafts to be sold around the Moseum and in the areas adjacent. Leadership and political buy-in will be at core of realization of the proposed Moseum dream. Attracting global visitors would not only change the face of Arua City and create business and income generating opportunities for the people West Nile, it would boost domestic resource mobilization the nation urgently needs to fill the fiscal deficit.
A guided tour of the Mandela House and Soweto sorroundings costs between $77-190 per person. At an average of rate of $100 for 1000 visitors in day, how much of a boost would that be for a local economy like ours.
As the country prepares to celebrate his life, let's take time to reflect on legacy projects which can turn Amin's name into wealth for the poor. That will align with his vision and wish for economic freedom for every Ugandan irrespective of their background.
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