Diaspora Key to Uganda’s $500bn Vision, Gov’t Tells 2025 Convention

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged its strategic commitment to positioning the Ugandan diaspora as a central driver of national development, global competitiveness, and economic transformation, during the Second Uganda Diaspora Convention 2025.

Held under the theme “Economic and Commercial Diplomacy,” the Convention brought together Ugandans from across the world, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners, and private sector actors to consolidate dialogue, share policy direction, and co-create pathways for deeper diaspora engagement in Uganda’s growth agenda.

Welcoming participants, Ambassador Johnny Muthahi Muhindo, Head of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Convention as a maturing platform grounded in partnership, ownership, and measurable results. He emphasized that the diaspora is no longer viewed as an ad-hoc contributor, but as a strategic partner in shaping Uganda’s shared prosperity.

Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (L) and MoFA PS Mr Vincent Bagiire at the convention

“This engagement is designed for you to speak to us—to tell us what you bring, what works, and how we can jointly unlock Uganda’s full potential. The diaspora policy we are finalizing belongs to you, and your ownership is essential,” Amb. Muhindo said.

He revealed that Uganda is benchmarking best practices from countries including India, Ethiopia, and Kenya, alongside rolling out comprehensive skills-mapping initiatives to better align diaspora expertise with national development priorities. A draft Diaspora Policy, now at an advanced stage, has been widely circulated to ensure inclusivity, responsiveness, and long-term impact.

Representing the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Joseph Enyimu outlined Government’s evolving economic outlook that positions the diaspora as investors, market connectors, skills carriers, and trusted ambassadors of Uganda’s economic brand. He noted that Uganda’s merchandise exports surpassed USD 10 billion by June 2025, rising to USD 11 billion when services are included.

However, Mr. Enyimu stressed the urgency of shifting from commodity-based exports to value-added, technology-driven, and knowledge-intensive production. “Achieving Uganda’s ambition of a USD 500 billion economy by 2040 will require more than policy reforms. It demands market intelligence, trusted networks, and regulatory navigation strengths that the diaspora uniquely offers,” he said.

He further highlighted Uganda’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, resilient currency, expanding infrastructure, and preferential market access under the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA frameworks—positioning the country as a regional and continental gateway economy.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed that protecting and promoting the interests of Ugandans abroad remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s foreign policy. He noted that Uganda’s diplomatic missions are being strengthened to function as coordinated economic delivery points, while remaining responsive to citizen welfare, emergency support, and consular services.

The PS also acknowledged the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in advancing structured diaspora engagement and announced plans to institutionalize a global celebration of the Ugandan diaspora starting next year.

Officially opening the Convention, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, conveyed the greetings of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and commended the diaspora for its sustained contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

She outlined key national reforms, including the rationalization of government agencies, expanded energy infrastructure, and strengthened public financial management, which have redirected resources toward priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Highlighting progress in energy, oil and gas, agro-industrialization, tourism, and science and innovation, the Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness for scalable investment and industrial growth.

MoFA PS Mr Vincent Bagiire addressing the convention

“You are our ambassadors. Your engagement, confidence, and participation—including in national processes—are vital to building a stronger, more inclusive Uganda,” she said.

The Second Uganda Diaspora Convention 2025 reaffirmed a clear policy message: Uganda’s diplomacy is people-centered, economically driven, and globally engaged. Government committed to finalizing a dynamic Diaspora Policy, professionalizing economic diplomacy across missions, and strengthening institutional frameworks to support diaspora investment, skills transfer, and market access.

As deliberations continue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its openness to constructive engagement and its resolve to work with Ugandans abroad as equal partners in shaping Uganda’s future.