On Thursday, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, together with Deputy Head Henry Wabyona and Liaisons & Partnerships Officer, Topher Matsiko, held a familiarisation engagement with UIA at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo.
The team was received by Justine Kasigwa Agaba, Director of the Investor One Stop Centre (OSC), who stated the Government’s commitment to simplifying investment procedures. She explained that the One Stop Centre was created “to facilitate investors; diaspora, domestic, and foreign, by bringing all essential government agencies under one roof.”

Agaba further emphasised UIA’s partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on economic and commercial diplomacy: “Our missions abroad will be able to capture investor interests directly into our system and follow up those who express intentions to invest,” she said.

In his remarks, Bagonza reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s vision for creating the State House Diaspora Unit: to ensure that Ugandans abroad receive coordinated support in investment, services, tourism, and socioeconomic empowerment.

“Remittances now exceed UGX 5 trillion and contribute more than 3% to our GDP, highlighting the immense economic value of our diaspora. Yet diaspora investment remains lower than its potential, not because of lack of interest, but because of gaps in information and access,” he noted.

He stressed the importance of the engagement with UIA, saying: “Our people abroad consistently ask about investment policies, opportunities, and how the One Stop Centre works. Today’s briefing equips us to give them accurate information and rebuild their trust.”

Bagonza also called for closer collaboration to resolve concerns raised by diaspora members who often cite inadequate support during investment processes.

He highlighted ongoing innovations at the Diaspora Unit, including the Diaspora App, which brings together government services in one place, and the Diaspora Data Management System, currently registering Ugandans abroad to improve planning and service provision.

Speaking on diaspora challenges, UIA Deputy Director for Foreign Investment Promotion, Ritah N. Mugula, noted that most diaspora difficulties are linked to bureaucratic hurdles, documentation, financial systems, and low trust.

“If we solve their facilitation and regulatory issues, we will gain their confidence and guide them toward productive investment,” she said.

UIA’s Director for Domestic Investment, Richard Nuwenyesiga, added that the biggest barrier is lack of reliable information. He explained that UIA has developed a Domestic Investor’s Guide and online systems to help diaspora investors avoid fraud and access free services such as investment licensing.

Following the briefing, the State House was taken on tour of the One Stop Centre and interacted with different agencies, reinforcing ongoing efforts to streamline diaspora engagement.

Bagonza reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment: “Our goal is to create meaningful linkages so that the diaspora can confidently invest and contribute to a united, prosperous, and modern Uganda.