The returnees are Ms. Fiona Namuddu, Ms. Rebecca Nakasaga, and two children aged eight and four years.
The engagement aimed to explore opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Uganda, with a focus on economic development, diaspora engagement, and long-term international partnerships.
The meeting was attended by Mr Peter Gishuru, a Kenyan and President/CEO of the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest, Mr Benjamin Omara, a Ugandan and Chairman of the African Chamber of Commerce; and Mr John Agaba, a Ugandan and Board Member of the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pacific Northwest Uganda American Association.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS

Investment Opportunities in Uganda

Participants discussed a range of investment opportunities available in Uganda across several sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, infrastructure, and technology.

Emphasis was placed on encouraging diaspora investors and American partners to explore Uganda’s growing economy and its favourable investment climate.

Twinning of Cities

The meeting also explored the potential twinning of cities between Seattle and the Kampala Metropolitan Area. This initiative was highlighted as a strategic platform to promote cultural exchange, trade, tourism, technology sharing, and municipal cooperation between the two cities.

Long-Term Strategic Partnerships

Participants emphasized the importance of building sustainable partnerships between Uganda and the United States. Discussions focused on:

•Investment promotion
•Value addition to Ugandan products for international markets
•Innovation and technology collaboration
•Knowledge transfer and capacity building
•Strengthening international cooperation between the two countries
•Outcomes and Next Steps

The African Chamber of Commerce will continue facilitating dialogue between diaspora investors and stakeholders in Uganda.

Further engagement will be initiated with relevant authorities in both countries to explore the feasibility of a Seattle–Kampala Metropolitan twinning initiative.

Stakeholders will identify sectors where joint ventures and partnerships can be developed, particularly in agriculture value addition, trade, and innovation.

It was also revealed that later this year, the African Chamber of Commerce, together with business companies and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, plans to organize a trade mission to Uganda to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation.