Ugandans in Australia urged to invest in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism
The call was made during Uganda's 64th Independence celebrations in Melbourne, Australia, where more than 1,000 Ugandans from across Australia gathered for a three-day programme held from October 16 to 18.
Balaam, the Minister of State for Local Government at the celebrations. Courtesy photos
Uganda has urged its citizens living abroad to invest in manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism and value addition to accelerate the country's economic transformation.
The call was made during Uganda's 64th Independence celebrations in Melbourne, Australia, where more than 1,000 Ugandans from across Australia gathered for a three-day programme held from October 16 to 18.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni, Balaam Barugahara, the Minister of State for Local Government, delivered the President's greetings to Ugandans abroad and urged them to channel their resources into productive investments beyond traditional remittances.
The celebrations were held under the theme "Celebrating Heritage, Strengthening Partnerships, Unlocking Investment Opportunities" and brought together government officials, traditional leaders, business executives and potential investors, according to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It noted that the event was organised by the Uganda High Commission in Canberra in partnership with the Ugandan community in Victoria, Australia, with a focus on strengthening commercial ties and promoting diaspora investment.
Dorothy Samali Hyuha, Uganda's High Commissioner to Australia, said the mission was working to translate diplomatic relations into practical economic partnerships between Uganda and Australia and the wider Australasian region.
"Our focus is on building credible business relationships that can generate investment, expand markets, create employment and strengthen cooperation between Uganda and Australasia," Hyuha said.
The opening day focused on business-to-business networking and opportunities in trade, tourism, agriculture, technology and enterprise development.
Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, also participated in the engagements, highlighting the importance of mobilising diaspora capital and international expertise to support Uganda's development.
The discussions sought to strengthen links between Ugandan businesses and their counterparts in Australasia, with participants exploring opportunities to expand markets and promote investment in key sectors.
Beyond the economic agenda, the celebrations provided a platform for Ugandans living abroad to preserve their cultural heritage and strengthen their connection to their homeland.
Princess Catherine Ssangalyambogo urged Ugandan parents living abroad to pass on their languages, history and traditions to younger generations to ensure that they remain connected to their roots.
The Emorimor, the paramount chief of Teso, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the role of traditional institutions in promoting unity, education, enterprise and cultural diplomacy.
Michael Muleme, the president of the Ugandan community in Victoria, said the community intended to build sustainable networks that support professionals and entrepreneurs while strengthening economic links with Uganda.
He said the community's role extended beyond organising social gatherings to creating opportunities for cooperation and investment between Ugandans abroad and those at home.
The Melbourne celebrations underscored the potential of Uganda's diaspora to contribute to national development through investment, professional expertise, business networks and access to international markets.