Mr Kash Patel, US President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, took the stage with a powerful message about the American Dream and his deeply personal journey, which includes his Ugandan roots.

Patel, a son of lawful immigrants from Uganda East Africa, shared his family’s remarkable story and emphasized the resilience and determination that shaped his career and values.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Patel reflected on his father’s harrowing escape from what he termed a 'genocidal dictatorship' in Uganda in the 1970s, where 300,000 lives were lost.

Idi Amin Dada was Uganda’s president at the time and it is believed that between 100,000 to 500,000 people were killed under his regime.

Patel's father fled the violence and sought a new life in the United States, where he and Patel’s mother waited in line for the opportunity to become part of what Patel described as the “greatest immigration policy in the world.”

The nominee for FBI Director highlighted that his personal connection to Uganda has shaped his unwavering belief in the American Dream and its promise of opportunity for all.

“I’m standing here because of the American Dream. I’m not standing here because of the color of my skin. I’m standing here because I earned my right on this stage, and you earned your right to be here with me,” Patel told the crowd.

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Patel’s comments emphasized the importance of law and order, recounting the struggles faced by communities across America, from the alarming rise in drug overdoses to homicides and crime. He reaffirmed his commitment to national security, constitutional justice, and prioritizing first responders and military personnel.

“We will always honor the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation,” he said.

A former national security prosecutor and high-ranking official in the Trump administration, Patel vowed to restore trust in law enforcement and the intelligence community, promising a break from the weaponization of the system for political purposes. Patel’s speech resonated with themes of patriotism, immigrant success, and constitutional integrity, reinforcing his vision of an America first approach to leadership.

In a key moment, Patel revealed that the 'American Dream' is not just an aspiration for him, but one that belongs to the world, reflecting on his Ugandan heritage as a source of strength and inspiration.