As a deliberate effort by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to safeguard and support Ugandans in the diaspora, a delegation from State House is in the United States representing him at the 37th Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) Convention in New Orleans.
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Speaking at the opening of the Trade and Investment Forum, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr. Mohammed Bagonza, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement. He emphasized that a number of key initiatives are being fast-tracked to ensure Ugandans abroad are better served, supported, and empowered.
In his address, Mr. Bagonza noted that while investment is often at the center of discussions, the Government is deliberately pursuing reforms and innovations tailored for the diaspora. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a National Diaspora Policy, a framework designed to provide clarity and structure in responding to the needs and aspirations of Ugandans abroad. This follows a benchmarking exercise carried out in India, Kenya, and Ethiopia to study successful models of diaspora engagement.
He further explained that skills mapping exercises have already been launched in the United Kingdom and Canada, with plans to roll them out in the United States. “We want to know who you are, where you are, and what skills you possess; in medicine, engineering, ICT, finance, and beyond. This way, we can meaningfully link Ugandans abroad to opportunities back home,” he said.
To make government services more accessible, Mr. Bagonza revealed the development of a Diaspora App, a one-stop digital platform consolidating information from all key MDAs, including NIRA, Immigration, and the Uganda Investment Authority. The app, together with a soon-to-be-launched Diaspora Call Centre, will serve as a direct line for inquiries, complaints, and feedback, ensuring faster response and stronger government–diaspora communication.
He also spoke about the Diaspora Data Management System, which is consolidating information on Ugandans abroad, identify business networks, and promote diaspora-owned enterprises. “Wherever you are in the world, Ugandans should know where to find your businesses and services. This will not only strengthen networking but also link directly back to Kampala,” he emphasized.
- Victoria Avenue Kyagwe Rd, Nakasero Kampala
- info@diasporaaffairs.go.ug
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State House Reaffirms Commitment to Diaspora at 37th UNAA Convention in New Orleans
On the matter of remittances, Mr. Bagonza noted that although Ugandans abroad send home over $1.5 billion annually, the cost of remitting remains too high, averaging 15% compared to the SDG target of 3%. To address this, Government is working with the Bank of Uganda to license local service providers and support innovators developing cost-effective financial transfer systems.
He further pointed out the importance of the Diaspora Bond, a safe investment instrument backed by Government, which President Museveni himself has strongly endorsed as a vehicle for structured diaspora-led investment.
“Back home, when I speak, I speak for you. They even call me the diaspora man,” Mr. Bagonza told the convention, emphasizing his role as a voice and advocate for Ugandans abroad.
The 37th UNAA Convention, held under the theme “Thriving Together: Advancing Healthcare, Business, and Technology through Innovation and Investment,” has brought together Ugandans from across North America and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for networking, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange.
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