Ugandans living and working abroad have been encouraged to explore the abundant opportunities emerging back home, as the country’s sectors of agriculture, mining, innovation, and more continue to thrive.
According to Robie Kakonge, Uganda’s Ambassador to Washington, D.C., the government has made it easier for Ugandans in the diaspora to return, with online ticketing options for Uganda Airlines making travel quicker and more affordable.
In her address, Kakonge highlighted the growing number of opportunities in Uganda, pointing to the peaceful environment and sectors such as agro-processing, mining, oil, gas, and technology as areas ripe for investment.
“The opportunities are vast,” Kakonge said, noting that, “we are seeing a shift in how Uganda is perceived globally, and there has never been a better time to consider returning.”
She reflected on her personal journey. Growing up in the U.S. as an only child, Kakonge explained how living in Uganda required her to embrace a culture of sharing and caring—values deeply rooted in Ugandan society, especially when it comes to supporting elders.
“In Uganda, caring for elders is seen as a blessing,” she emphasised.
Kakonge praised Uganda’s athletes, noting their remarkable achievements despite limited resources. “In America, athletes have access to nutritionists and extensive support systems, but our champions rely on their inner strength, faith, and will to succeed,” Kakonge explained.
This was during the 14th Annual Uganda Diaspora Homecoming Dinner, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on December 30, 2024. Ronnie Mayanja, the director of the Uganda Diaspora Network in Boston, urged greater recognition of diaspora members contributing to Uganda’s development.
“There are many successful individuals in the diaspora making a positive impact. Let’s celebrate them while they’re still with us,” Mayanja said, citing figures like Moses Mawa, a prominent figure in Canada’s media scene, and Paul Serukenya, a co-founder of the Limit X music group now running a pharmacy in London.
Livingstone Kyeyune, chairman of the Uganda Diaspora Japan, spoke about the significant contributions of Ugandans in Japan, especially in areas of tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. “The diaspora plays a key role in supporting various initiatives back home,” Kyeyune noted.
Success stories and personal journeys
Serukenya, who shared his personal story during the event, captured the essence of overcoming adversity.
He left Uganda at 19 with only £50 in his pocket. He then worked his way up from humble beginnings laying beds in hotels and sweeping streets to becoming a successful electrical engineer, working for major companies like Nokia and Samsung.
After further education, he transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry.
“I wanted to become an engineer, but I found my true path in music,” Serukenya said. He discussed how school curriculums sometimes limit students by teaching them to follow specific career paths instead of encouraging them to discover their own talents and passions.
Kassim Kayira, a media consultant and trainer, echoed this sentiment, urging Ugandans abroad to harness their networks and resources to invest in Uganda’s future.
Dr Lawrence Muganga, the vice chancellor of Victoria University, emphasised the importance of transferring the knowledge and skills learned abroad back to Uganda. “Ugandans in the diaspora have seen good policies and education systems. They should bring that expertise home to bridge the information gap,” Dr Muganga said.
He highlighted the remarkable growth of his institution, which went from 231 students to over 10,000 in just a few years, thanks to the innovative use of digital learning.
Making a difference through media and mentorship
Alan Kasujja, a broadcaster who was recognised for his contribution to the media industry, shared how his reporting has had a positive impact on people’s lives.
Kasujja recalled meeting a mother in Nigeria who was desperate because her child had Down syndrome. After Kasujja reported the story, the mother received the support she desperately needed. “These are the stories that transform lives,” Kasujja said.
The event was graced by Dr Nathan Nsubuga, WHO Representative in Zambia, and Robert Katende, the Ugandan chess coach famous for mentoring Phiona Mutesi, whose story was featured in the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe. Katende spoke about the power of mentorship, explaining how chess has helped many disadvantaged children realise their potential.
Dr Robert Kalyesubula, the chair of the Department of Physiology at Makerere University, shared his inspiring journey from dropping out of school due to financial challenges to becoming a renowned surgeon. His story underscored the importance of persistence and resilience.
Diaspora’s role in Uganda’s growth
Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa, who represented Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the event, pointed out the significant contributions of the diaspora, particularly through remittances, which are Uganda’s largest source of foreign exchange, followed by tourism and coffee exports. “The diaspora plays an invaluable role in supporting our country’s growth,” Mugerwa said.
Mohammed Bagonza, head of the State House Diaspora Unit, shared some of the government’s initiatives and policies to support Ugandans abroad.
These included a diaspora database to facilitate voter registration, an improved 24/7 communication system for addressing issues, and a streamlined service delivery system for issuing passports and national identity cards. Bagonza mentioned the creation of a diaspora fund, similar to successful models in China and Ethiopia, to help increase remittances.
Eng. Hamid Kibirige, the head of ICT at State House, highlighted that Ugandans who have registered for national identity cards can now access citizenship for their children, ensuring a smoother path for those wishing to retire back home.
“This initiative will simplify the process for Ugandans abroad to maintain ties with their homeland,” Kibirige said.