Nabbanja sets up Ugandan diaspora desk in OPM

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said she has set up a desk in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to address issues concerning Ugandans living abroad.

This was after they had requested for support and guidance on issues affecting them, during an awareness raising meeting in Kampala on Thursday.

The diaspora desk will be headed by Silver Ssewanyana, the technical adviser on strategic engagement and policy in the OPM, with sponsorship from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The desk will, among other things, identify and promote investment opportunities in Uganda that align with the interests and skills of the diaspora.

It will develop a comprehensive engagement strategy to foster a sense of belonging and connection among Ugandans living abroad. For this, emphasis will be on regular communication, social media groups, and community events.

"The desk shall also organize initiatives that promote appreciation and understanding of Uganda's culture, history, and development progress," said Ssewanyana.

"Some of the areas being looked at shall include cultural events, heritage tours, and educational programmes."

The same desk will also create opportunities for the diaspora to contribute to Uganda's development process, which could involve volunteering, skills transfer, and participation in national development initiatives.

Ssewanyana said his desk will liaise with the Office of the President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign missions to coordinate diaspora issues. 

According to him, it is important for the OPM to help the diaspora to enable them work with government.

On her part, PM Nabbanja commended the Ugandan diaspora for their remittances to Uganda and also for investing back in their country and urged them to "invest more".

During the inaugural Uganda Diaspora Convention held in Kampala last week, President Yoweri Museveni (represented by Vice-President Jessica Alupo) urged Ugandans living abroad to prioritize their home country.

He rallied them to invest back in Uganda now that the government has ensured a conducive environment to facilitate investment, pointing to the areas of ICT, industrialization, services and commercial agriculture.