The event was officially closed by Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, who represented His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and delivered his message to the Ugandan community and partners in the UAE.
In his keynote, Bagonza reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement and deepening Uganda’s partnership with the UAE. “Your remittances, averaging over USD 1.4 billion annually, are among Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners and continue to support families, businesses and our national development,” he said.

“As government, we see you, we value you, and we are committed to supporting every Ugandan living and working in the UAE.”

He highlighted progress made in labour protection, digital services and diaspora coordination, including the new Diaspora Data Management System, the Diaspora App, and ongoing development of the National Diaspora Policy.

Bagonza also emphasised the need for deeper trade and tourism linkages through export promotion, value addition, and cultural diplomacy. Representing President Museveni, Hon. Barugahara delivered the President’s message, emphasising the strategic importance of Uganda–UAE relations.

“The cooperation between our countries is proof that principled and genuine partnership can serve as a catalyst for transformation,” the President noted. “When Uganda is prosperous, the UAE benefits, and when the UAE prospers, Uganda also gains. Business thrives when both partners grow together.”

The President encouraged Ugandans in the UAE and investors to take advantage of Uganda’s stable environment and expanding markets.

“I appeal to our friends in the UAE and all Ugandans in the Diaspora to invest in Uganda. The East African and African markets offer guaranteed returns.”

Also present at the event were Hon. Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, and Ambassador Aisha Ismail, Deputy Head of Mission and Consular General in Dubai.

The convention closed with a renewed commitment to enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening the well-being and productivity of Ugandans in the UAE.