Diaspora ministry in offing

By Vision Reporter

Government is set to establish a fully-fledged department for Diaspora matters. A legal framework that will facilitate Ugandans in the Diaspora will also be established.

The framework will support the implementation of the national Diaspora policy in promoting dual citizenship, voting rights and creation of platforms for Ugandans in the Diaspora to participate in national development planning and policy formulation.

Speaking at the third UK-Uganda Trade and Investment forum in East London over the weekend, the vice-president, Edward Ssekandi, said the policy will provide economic opportunities to Ugandans in the Diaspora. 

He said the Government will hold a Diaspora week to showcase various opportunities. Ugandans in the Diaspora will be assisted in operating forex accounts, access loans and purchase Diaspora bonds.

Winnie Byanyima, the Oxfam International boss, asked the Government to establish a full ministry for Diaspora issues because Ugandans out there contribute remarkably to the development of the country. She was speaking at the Uganda North America Association in Dallas, Texas recently.

Ssekandi said while the Government has ensured a safe and conducive investor environment, development and growth need to be facilitated by Ugandans living in Uganda and those in the Diaspora.

Ssekandi was the keynote speaker at the event attended by ministers Irene Muloni, Sam Engola, Barbara Oundo, Ruth Nankabirwa, Amongin Aporu and MPs.

Willy Mutenza, the UK Convention’s chairman said the aim of the forum is to provide a platform between the Government and Ugandans in the Diaspora.

Other speakers at the event were Patrick Bitature the Uganda Investment Authority board chairman, Wanume Kibedi the Uganda Ambassador to Nordic countries and Ssebagala Kigozi.