Amb Johnny Muhindo, the head of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed the government’s ambitious plan to engage Ugandans living abroad in advancing the Parish Development Model (PDM) in a recent interview. This move comes two years after the launch of the poverty alleviation program, signaling a new phase in Uganda’s quest for economic prosperity.
Muhindo emphasized the importance of tapping into the knowledge and resources of the Diaspora community, which he described as a treasure trove of expertise and connections. According to him, leveraging the Diaspora’s know-how could significantly benefit Ugandan farmers by introducing them to best practices for higher yields and quality produce, coveted in international markets.
The government’s proposal includes enlisting the support of overseas Ugandans in various aspects of the agricultural value chain, from logistics to post-harvest handling. Additionally, the Diaspora’s proficiency in identifying suitable ICT tools for informed decision-making could revolutionize farming practices in rural Uganda.
To kickstart this initiative, Muhindo outlined plans for annual Diaspora homecoming summits, starting from December, aimed at facilitating interaction between overseas Ugandans and rural farmers. With an estimated 781,400 Ugandans living abroad as of 2020, the Diaspora represents a significant economic force, having collectively remitted $1.1 billion in the previous year alone.
The financial clout and global connections of the Diaspora community make them invaluable partners in the implementation of PDM. Muhindo envisions a symbiotic relationship wherein the government supports the Diaspora in exchange for their skills and expertise, ultimately leading to increased market access and foreign exchange earnings for Ugandan farmers.
Under the proposed plan, overseas Ugandans will directly engage with rural farmers at the parish level, imparting knowledge on producing marketable products and providing access to affordable capital. The initial focus will be on Diaspora communities in Germany, the United States, and Canada, with plans for expansion in the future.
Muhindo stressed the importance of government support for the Diaspora, positioning them as a vital constituency in Uganda’s socio-economic development agenda. Echoing President Museveni’s vision of transforming Uganda into a middle-income country, Muhindo sees the Diaspora’s involvement as integral to achieving this goal.
Despite the challenges faced by PDM, including allegations of corruption and funding constraints, the incorporation of the Diaspora is seen as a positive step forward. Silvester Nyombi, spokesperson for the PDM secretariat, welcomed the move, citing the potential for Diaspora insights to improve program implementation and decision-making.
