Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, has called on the Ugandan diaspora in France to serve as ambassadors for the country’s trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. Speaking at a special gathering hosted at the newly renovated Uganda Embassy in Paris, Ggoobi emphasized that the diaspora’s firsthand experiences offer the most compelling testimony to promote Uganda globally.
The event, held at the invitation of Uganda’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Doreen Ruth Amule, brought together Ugandans working in diverse sectors such as sports, fashion, science and technology, and the culinary arts. Many attendees expressed keen interest in how the Ugandan government can facilitate their investments back home.
Ggoobi, who is leading a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development alongside officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), highlighted the government’s ambition to engage the diaspora “beyond remittances.” He underscored the importance of their contribution to Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan and Vision 2040.
“The Ministry of Finance has begun restructuring the economy with a strong focus on investment—whether small, medium, or large—in agriculture, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology transfer,” Ggoobi stated.
He further urged Ugandans abroad to leverage their networks by identifying and partnering with French investors to increase exports of Uganda’s processed agricultural products to France.
Revamping Embassies for Economic Diplomacy
Ggoobi also announced the government’s “Operation Revamp Embassies” initiative, aimed at modernizing Uganda’s diplomatic missions. Under this program, Uganda plans to renovate and maintain embassy properties, improve staff welfare, and enhance consular services.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a sleeping giant that has awoken,” Ggoobi remarked, adding that the government is rolling out an Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Program, allocating UGX 60 billion in the 2024/25 financial year to 12 embassies. The initiative will expand to another 12 embassies in 2025/26.
According to Ggoobi, the expected outcomes include increased exports, foreign direct investment, and a surge in tourism from France and other European markets.
Investment and Tax Incentives for Ugandans Abroad
During the engagement, UTB CEO Dr. Lilly Ajarova emphasized the importance of maintaining Uganda’s strong national brand, highlighting the country’s unique tourism offerings. UIA Executive Director Robert Mukiiza outlined the available non-tax incentives for investors, while Uganda Export Promotion Board representatives shared insights on export opportunities.
URA Commissioner for Customs, Abel Kagumire, briefed the diaspora community on taxation policies, including incentives available to Ugandans seeking to invest or return home. Additionally, plans for a Diaspora Bond in partnership with the Bank of Uganda were unveiled, offering an alternative investment channel.
Strengthening Uganda-France Economic Ties
Earlier in the day, Ggoobi met with top executives from leading French and European companies, including:
- Gregoire Durival (Sales Director, Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS)
- Michael Guiraud (Sales Director, Airbus)
- Officials from Satlantis, a space technology firm based in Spain
He is also scheduled to hold discussions with officials from BPIFrance and Eiffage Group on financing solutions for Uganda-French business collaborations, as well as Mr. William Roos, Head of the Multilateral Affairs, Trade, and Development Policies Department at the French Treasury.
