Ugandans in Canada urged to unite for national development

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Ugandans living and working in Canada have been urged to work in unity towards the socio-economic development of their motherland.

The call was made on Saturday, October 11, 2025, when Mohammed Bagonza, the Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, joined hundreds of them to celebrate Uganda’s 63rd independence in Ottawa.

The head of the State House Diaspora Unit (R), Allan Kajik, the Acting High Commissioner of Uganda to Canada (2R), Deputy head of the Diaspora Unit, Henry Wabyona (L) and the chairperson of NAUCA, Justus Mirembe, point their fingers at the NAUCA banner after the launch. (Credit: Uganda High Commission Canada)

During the event, Bagonza officially launched the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations (NAUCA), a unifying umbrella body for Ugandans across Canada. He was accompanied by his deputy, Henry Wabyona, and Allan Kajik, the Acting High Commissioner of Uganda to Canada.

Bagonza noted that for the first time, Ugandans across Canada will operate under a unified umbrella, a platform designed to strengthen cultural ties, promote business, empower youth and amplify the collective voice of the Ugandan community.

“Our independence reminds us that unity is our greatest strength. Through NAUCA, Ugandans in Canada can now work together to support each other and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Bagonza, who was emphatic about collective efforts towards the development of Uganda, said, “Independence was not merely about lowering the Union Jack. It was about achieving economic independence, unity, and self-reliance, the pillars upon which our sovereignty stands,” he said.

Bagonza urged Ugandans abroad, not only in Canada but also in other parts of the world, to see themselves as active partners in shaping Uganda’s economic destiny.

“When a Ugandan in Canada opens a restaurant, let every Ugandan dine there; if one of us starts a business, let us support it. When a student graduates, let us mentor them. That is how we build communities that reflect our pride and progress.

The head of the State House Diaspora Unit (R), Allan Kajik, the Acting High Commissioner of Uganda to Canada (2R), Deputy head of the Diaspora Unit, Henry Wabyona (L) and the chairperson of NAUCA, Justus Mirembe, and other members pose for a photo after the launch. (Credit: Uganda High Commission Canada)

He challenged Ugandans abroad to emulate other diasporas, such as the Indian and Chinese communities, who have built strong, united networks that contribute directly to their home countries’ development.

He said their success, innovation, and hard work abroad are a continuation of the independence struggle, noting that “the fight is not on the battlefield but through enterprise, skill, and knowledge gathering, and taking it back home.”

Bagonza added that the State House Diaspora Unit had embarked on several reforms to strengthen engagement with Ugandans abroad. These include a National Diaspora Policy expected by December 2025, a Diaspora Data Management System to map skills, and a Diaspora App and Call Centre to make government services more accessible, from passport processing to investment inquiries.

According to Bagonza, plans for a diaspora fund and remittance-linked investment bonds are also underway to help Ugandans abroad invest directly in the country’s growth. He explained that for Ugandans abroad to invest back home means they will be able to create employment opportunities and import new modes of business.

Resonating with past reports, Uganda’s story since Independence is one of endurance, transformation, and ambition. When the country gained independence in 1962, it is believed it inherited an economy heavily dependent on cash crops like coffee and cotton and a modest industrial base dominated by colonial enterprises.

By 1986, following years of instability, Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP) had dropped to just sh3.9 trillion ($3.9b). Nearly four decades later, according to Ambassador Allan Kajik, the country’s GDP is projected to reach over sh196 trillion ($56.92b) by the end of 2025.

“This transformation has been driven by peace, stability, and deliberate efforts to industrialise the economy. The industrial sector now contributes 27.4% to Uganda’s GDP and employs over one million people,” he said.

Kajik noted that the government’s flagship poverty eradication programs, including the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, are enabling millions of Ugandans to transition from subsistence farming to the money economy.

“Uganda’s economic independence depends not only on industrialisation but also on empowering its citizens. We invite the diaspora to invest back home and take advantage of the opportunities being created,” he noted.

Uganda-Canada relations

Uganda and Canada’s diplomatic ties date back to 1962, the year Uganda gained independence. Both countries share membership in the Commonwealth and a commitment to humanitarian values.

“We appreciate Canada’s continued support to humanitarian partners providing food and assistance to refugees living in Uganda,” he said.

Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa, with almost 2 million refugees.

Kajik encouraged Canadians to continue supporting Ugandan exports, particularly coffee, fish, and vanilla. He noted that Uganda is Africa’s largest coffee exporter and invited Canadians to buy more Ugandan coffee, noting that it carries the distinctive aroma of the Pearl of Africa.

The chairperson of NAUCA, Justus Mirembe, said the initiation of NAUCA is the first step in having a united voice for Ugandans in Canada to advocate for policy changes that advance the mutual benefit of Ugandans living in the diaspora and the development of Uganda.