Govt launches diaspora engagement series to strengthen Uganda–diaspora ties

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Remittance inflows from Uganda’s diaspora reached $2.5 billion (about shillings 9.25 trillion in 2025, equivalent to about 3.8 percent of the country’s GDP, further cementing the diaspora’s position as one of the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange.

It is against this backdrop that the State House Diaspora Unit has launched the Global Diaspora Engagement Webinar Series, a new platform aimed at strengthening engagement between the Government of Uganda and Ugandans living abroad.

While launching the series on Wednesday evening in Kampala, the Head of the Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, described the diaspora as one of Uganda’s most valuable national assets.

He noted that beyond remittances, the diaspora contributes to socio-economic development through investments, skills, knowledge transfer, innovation, and global networks that position Uganda on the international stage.

“It is because of this that organised engagement with the diaspora is not optional, but necessary. The webinar series will be held on a bi-weekly basis, focusing on priority diaspora issues,” he said.

According to the Unit, the engagements will provide diaspora members with an opportunity to interact directly with key government institutions, including the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others.

The platform is expected to address critical issues affecting Ugandans abroad, including dual citizenship, visa and immigration processes, land matters, National ID access, investment opportunities, and emerging national issues such as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill.

However, Bagonza cautioned against fragmentation within the diaspora, noting that engagement in isolated groups weakens collective impact. He encouraged members to participate actively, engage constructively, and hold government accountable.

“For your voice to have a real impact, it must be coordinated, structured, and aggregated. That is the role we are here to play. Our interactions will serve as a bridge connecting the government to Ugandans abroad through information sharing, engagement, and collaboration,” he added.

The deputy head of the unit, Henry Wabyona, highlighted progress made since the Unit’s establishment in 2023, noting that it was created to strengthen engagement between the government and Ugandans abroad, and to ensure the diaspora remains well-informed, connected, and supported.

He cited key initiatives including the development of a Diaspora Data Management System for registration of Ugandans abroad, the launch of the Diaspora App, ongoing efforts to establish a diaspora call centre, and partnerships with national and international institutions to improve remittance systems and promote diaspora investment.

On his part, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value Addition, Dr Hillary Emmanuel Musoke, encouraged Ugandans in the diaspora to invest in agribusiness and value addition.

“The real opportunity lies in adding value. Uganda produces some of the finest coffee, tea, fruits, dairy, and grains in Africa,” he said, noting that much of it is exported in raw form, limiting value capture.

“Many of you have access to capital. Many own land or have networks that can support investment. Most importantly, you have the global exposure and market connections to position Ugandan products competitively on the international stage,” he added.

The launch, moderated by Dr Dennis Aguma, attracted strong participation, with more than 130 diaspora members joining from different parts of the world.