The Uganda delegation concluded their diaspora policy benchmarking visit to India with a courtesy call on the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a highly reputable Indian think tank on Thursday (March 20).
VIF comprises India’s leading practitioners from the fields of security, military, diplomacy, government, academia and media who generate ideas and stimulate action on national security and policy issues affecting India domestically and internationally.
The think tank shared insights on how to harness the potential of the diaspora in national development, highlighting the successes of the Indian diaspora engagement and how it was influenced by deliberate government policies and strategies.
Lt Gen. R. K Sawhney, the Centre Head at the VIF, encouraged the involvement of think tanks to contribute to government policy discussions including on diaspora engagement.
He called for cooperation between Uganda and India on joint development projects that are a priority to Uganda and mutually beneficial to both countries.
Ambassador Johnny M. Muhindo, the leader of the Ugandan delegation and Mohammed Bagonza, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit appreciated the VIF for sharing their experience and hailed the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
They agreed to continue sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration between VIF and other think tanks and institutions of higher learning in Uganda regarding policy matters.
Diaspora policy benchmarking visit to India
The purpose of the diaspora policy is to assist the Ugandan government in developing strategies to support and effectively utilize the skills and resources of its diaspora community.
The Uganda delegation started their benchmarking visit with an engagement with H.E. Amb. Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India on Tuesday, March 18.
They later met with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs of India in charge of the Diaspora Engagement Division.
During the engagement, Ugandan officials were briefed on the history, initiatives, and programs of India’s Diaspora Engagement Division, including policies aimed at strengthening connections between India and its diaspora.
On Wednesday, March 19, the delegation had fruitful discussions with the Ugandans living and working in India.
The delegation heard about the challenges Ugandans face in India, such as the human trafficking of young girls and difficulties in sending money back home because of complications in opening bank accounts.
The Ugandan community in India requested government support to assist in repatriating Ugandans who have overstayed their visas but cannot afford to pay the fines, putting them at risk of facing jail sentences.
Special attention was also sought for victims of human trafficking and those without regular travel documents to facilitate their safe return to Uganda.
Students asked for Government follow-up mechanisms for placement when they complete studies especially those in highly specialized fields of study.
Ambassador Muhindo encouraged the Ugandan community to remain united and law-abiding. He appreciated their contribution to the development of the country through their remittances back home.
SPA Bagonza reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s commitment to the socio-economic transformation of all Ugandans, including those in the diaspora.