an die Österreichisch - Ugandische Freundschaftsgesellschaft vom 18.September 2003

I am glad that our long-standing relationship between Uganda and Austria has persisted since 1983 up to-date. The fact that the Uganda Projectgroup is maturing into Austrian Ugandan Friendship Association is testimony of the persistency.

If I may be historical, I first came to Austria in the winter of 1983. I found in Vienna Mr. Jjumba, Mr. Kitavujja and Mr. Kirunda-Kivejinja. By that time I was on a twin mission of

a) mobilising Ugandans abroad to support the Struggle and the Movement in the bush and

b) to let the outside world know that some Ugandans had decided and resolved to fight the local dictatorship through armed struggle.

We were looking for publicity by neutral journalists. At that time there was disbelief and skepticism about the existence of National Resistance Army (NRA) in the minds of Ugandans and foreigners.

I heard discussions with Mrs. Dolores Bauer in her flat with view to persuading her to come to Uganda and go in the bush to see for herself that NRA was live and kicking and get to know what reasons it had for starting the armed struggle. Of course after coming back from the bush I expected her to publish her experience on radios, television and newspapers! Arrangements were made for her to go to Uganda and she came up to Kampala but did not go to the bush. However, she has kept interest in developments of Uganda. I am happy the new Austrian Ugandan Friendship Association is under her leadership. I congratulate you, Mrs. Dolores Bauer.

Next group of Austrians I met were / are Maria and Michael – a young man aho was very radical then. I remember we went to a meeting with the then Minister of Finance in Austria and Michael took over the meeting by discussing the exploitation of developing / third world countries by the developed countries! In fairness Maria has been the engine / locomotive of our friendship.

Out of this friendship Uganda has benefited immensely through government and non-government projects. On this point I would like to mention Ndere Troupe which has benefited from the generous assistance of Austrian friends and government. The leader of Ndere Troupe happens to come from my very village!

When time and finances permit, I would take the first opportunity to jump on the plane and renew my personal acquaintance with the Austrian friends and eople.

I wish you every success and let us keep our friendship warm.

Yours truly

Eriya Kategaya