Govt holds diplomatic outreach for Ugandans in Japan

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The Government of Uganda, through its Diaspora Services Department in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Tokyo, convened an outreach engagement with members of the Ugandan community in Japan.

Participants included Ugandan professionals, students, and entrepreneurs residing in Japan.

The dialogue, held on 29 March at TKP Garden City Chiba, aimed at advancing consultations on the formulation of a National Diaspora Policy. Under the policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is shifting from traditional politics to Commercial and Economic Diplomacy, leveraging foreign relations to drive the "tenfold" growth strategy.

A release from the ministry states that at the meeting, different officials from the embassy highlighted MoFA's activities to create a coherent mechanism through which Ugandans abroad can be more effectively engaged, empowered, and enabled to contribute to national development processes.

Ambassador J. M. Muhindo, the Head of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), outlined the Government’s strategic approach, noting that the policy is intended to institutionalise diaspora participation in key sectors, including investment, skills transfer, and innovation.

He highlighted plans for a comprehensive skills-mapping exercise aimed at identifying expertise within the diaspora and linking it to domestic development needs. This initiative, he explained, is expected to strengthen knowledge exchange, address critical skills gaps, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in an increasingly globalised economy.

Ambassador Muhindo further encouraged Ugandans in Japan to maintain active registration with the mission, emphasising that accurate data facilitates efficient consular support and strengthens coordination between the diaspora and government institutions.

He also called for greater cohesion within the community, noting that organised diaspora networks such as those observed in other global contexts have proven instrumental in leveraging economic and professional opportunities in host countries.

Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda's ambassador to Tokyo, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to supporting Ugandans in Japan through responsive consular services and targeted engagement initiatives.

She highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen economic and commercial diplomacy, including promoting Uganda as a destination for trade, investment, and tourism within the Japanese market.

The Ambassador underscored the critical role of the diaspora as partners in advancing bilateral relations and facilitating market linkages.

Participants contributed perspectives and recommendations to inform the policy drafting process, reflecting a shared interest in ensuring that the framework responds to the practical realities and aspirations of Ugandans abroad.

The engagement concluded with a consensus to institutionalise regular diaspora dialogues in Japan, including the proposal to convene an annual Uganda Diaspora Convention on a rotational basis across major cities. 

The hybrid format of the outreach enabled broad participation, allowing members unable to attend in person to engage virtually and submit their views.

The consultation in Japan marks a significant step in Uganda’s inclusive approach to policy development, reinforcing the role of its global diaspora as an integral partner in national progress.