KAMPALA, Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has organized the first-ever Ugandan Diaspora Convention, scheduled between December 19-20, 2024, at Speke Resort-Munyonyo, Kampala, under the theme; “Diaspora for Social-Economic Development”.
“Whereas the Ugandan Diaspora members are invited, those that particularly work under the following categories are encouraged to participate in the convention,” letter from the Ministry reads in part.
Missions have been tasked to mobilise and rally Ugandans holding positions in the governments of their host countries at all levels, including managerial. Also, professionals in universities, research centres, hospitals, UN staff, and other international organizations.
In addition, the convention will be attended by specialists in the private sector such as ICT (Microsoft, Google, the Silicon Valley Tech Industry), transport sector and engineering/manufacturing, agro-industry, including agripreneurship and the tourism industry.
The event will start with field visits to Murchison Falls, oil fields in Hoima and Buliisa Districts, Namanve industrial zones, agricultural research centres and ICT hubs on December 17-18, 2024, for the delegation to appreciate and determine potentials areas for investment in their economic sector of interest. The actual in-door program will be held on December 19-20, 2024, at Speke Resort-Munyonyo, Kampala.
According to Head of Diaspora Department at the Ministry, Ambassador Johnny Muhindo, who issued the letter on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vincent Bagiire, the convention will be opened by Her Excellency the Vice President of Uganda, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, and closed by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“To facilitate smooth interaction and discussions with His Excellency the President, delegates are encouraged to bring along videos depicting their knowledge/expertise and ideas that they wish the country to pick on and usher the country into the 21st World. Delegates will also be encouraged to record videos during the field visits in Uganda to inform the audience where they would invest, and/or to point out areas where improvement is needed to poise the visited places for appropriate investment (especially in the oil fields and industrial parks),” letter from the Ministry indicates.
Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will actively participate and make presentations on a wide range of subjects on particular interest to the Diaspora, as well as international organisations.
Topics will cover increasing remittances, investment, incentives, tourism, agriculture, technology, harnessing SDGs, land acquisition, labour migration, documentation, banking, networking, and signing of MoU between Diaspora investors and relevant government agencies.
In the same breath, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Ambassador at Large, Abbey Walusimbi, has called on Uganda’s Diaspora community to actively participate in the convention. “To the Diaspora community, you are cordially invited for the inuagral Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Convention, scheduled to take place from December 19-20, 2024, at Speke Resort-Munyonyo, Kampala. I call on you to support this noble cause! Let’s unite and support H.E. President Museveni’s socio-economic transformation agenda!.”
This maiden event is anticipated to attract a bigger number of Ugandans who live and work overseas, in a bid gather and share ideas & experiences which can shape a resilient future for the Diaspora community and Uganda.
