Uganda Diaspora community leaders from the USA, including Susan Gakwavu and Patrick Ogwang, met with the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, at President’s Office in Kampala.
The meeting served as a nexus for engagement, dialogue and partnership-building to foster unity among the Ugandan Diaspora community.
Highlights:
Ambassador Walusimbi, former President of the United African Federation USA, stressed the importance of collaboration for cohesion and encouraged creative ways to bridge the gap between Diaspora community and Uganda, leveraging US opportunities to grow the Ugandan economy.
He also noted the promising future where Diaspora members are at the forefront of Uganda’s development agenda. “There is need for a Diaspora SACCO, with government support, to empower Diaspora communities, to achieve their financial goals while having a reliable & affordable source of credit in an organized way to invest in projects like real estate development back home.”
Patrick Ogwang, who is both a community leader and businessman, expressed enthusiasm for Ugandan youth to access the global market, through online platforms like Freelancer and Fiverr. This, he said will encourage Diaspora involvement in trade & investment, recognizing the potential for creating employment opportunities that connect Diaspora businesses with Ugandan youth innovators/entrepreneurs.
Susan Gakwavu, President of the Ugandan Community Organization in California, shared plans for a sustainable agro-forestry project in Nakasongola District. She implored diasporas to continue collaborating, investing, transferring knowledge & skills, in a bid to drive Uganda toward a stronger, and more prosperous nation.
In the end, the delegation commended the His Excellency President Museveni, for the improved road networks, making rural areas more accessible.
FYI:
The Ambassador revealed the diaspora department’s role in formulating a Diaspora policy, mentioning upcoming initiatives like Diaspora voting and issuing of new national IDs in Diaspora communities.
President’s Office and Foreign Affairs Ministry are planning a routine Global Diaspora Business Gala, with an aim to mobilize Diaspora members, and support the growth of Uganda’s economy.
