NAIROBI – Ugandans living and working in Kenya have been urged to move beyond sending money home and embrace structured investments that enable them to build sustainable wealth in Uganda while expanding their businesses across borders.
The call was made during a Diaspora Investment Forum hosted by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Network (UGNET) in Nairobi, bringing together Ugandan professionals, entrepreneurs and investors based in Kenya to explore investment opportunities back home and financial solutions to support their ambitions.
UGNET Chairperson Dr Phionah Atuhebwe said Ugandans in the diaspora should recognise their potential to contribute more to the country’s economic development through investments, professional expertise, innovation and international business networks.
“The diaspora is far more than just remittances; we are a powerhouse of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation and global networks building wealth across borders. Moving beyond simply sending money home to deliberately building sustainable assets is how we create long-term prosperity,” she said.
Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the bank’s diaspora banking proposition was designed to support Ugandans throughout their investment journeys rather than focusing solely on international money transfers.
“True diaspora banking goes beyond simple transactions; it is about building a solid financial partnership that supports your long-term goals and secures your future back home. Instead of only sending money home, let us focus on meaningful investments that build lasting assets. We are committed to building continuous partnerships with our diaspora communities through ongoing engagement and dedicated support,” he said.
Beyond accessing financial services, participants were encouraged to embrace disciplined investment practices as a foundation for sustainable wealth creation.
Delivering the keynote address, Richard Byarugaba, Equity Group Managing Director for Asset Management, urged participants to develop consistent saving habits, diversify their investments, align financial decisions with long-term goals and work with regulated financial institutions.
To help turn these ambitions into reality, Equity Bank Uganda showcased financial solutions tailored to Ugandans living and working abroad. These include diaspora savings and current accounts, investment and construction financing, insurance products, investment club accounts and foreign exchange services.
The bank also highlighted its inter-country banking capabilities, which allow customers to access funds, make transfers and conduct banking transactions across Equity’s regional network.
Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments, said customers could access accounts in different markets where Equity operates while benefiting from competitive foreign exchange rates and international payment services.
“Whether you want to buy land, complete a house, invest in rental property, grow an agribusiness or expand a business venture, we have solutions to support you. You can move money across borders, access your account in different Equity markets and benefit from services designed to make cross-border banking easier and more convenient,” she said.
The forum also highlighted the importance of trusted financial institutions and strong diplomatic relations in promoting diaspora investments and regional economic integration.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Eunice Kigenyi, emphasised the importance of providing secure investment channels for Ugandans living abroad, saying the government had a responsibility to help protect their investments back home.
“Our role is to ensure that as you build your future here, you also build your home. We provide the legal and secure pathways to ensure that your hard-earned investments are protected, authenticated, and anchored in trust,” she said.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, commended Equity Bank for connecting Ugandan and Kenyan business communities and helping diaspora members channel their earnings into productive investments in both countries.
He recalled a similar engagement recently held in Kampala, where Kenyans living and working in Uganda were encouraged to move beyond traditional remittances and embrace structured investments as a pathway to long-term wealth creation.
Namwamba noted that such initiatives strengthen regional integration by connecting people, businesses and investment opportunities across national borders.
