East or West, Home is Best – VP Alupo Urges Diaspora to Invest in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda – Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo has called on Ugandans living abroad to prioritise investments in their homeland, emphasising the country’s potential to transform into a leading destination for business and development.

While representing President Museveni at the Ugandan Diaspora Convention 2024 held at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, the Vice President outlined the government’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for investors.

“The Ugandan government has worked tirelessly to ensure peace and stability across the country while prioritizing investment in infrastructure,” said Alupo. “We’ve maintained a private-sector-friendly policy framework that positions Uganda as a hub for business opportunities.”

She highlighted the growing potential in Uganda’s markets and appealed directly to the diaspora community. “I wish to appeal to Ugandans abroad to invest at home. Use your contacts overseas to attract and encourage more investments here,” Alupo urged.

“Your savings should be invested in Uganda before looking elsewhere. Increased investments mean more jobs and incomes for your relatives and greater revenue for the government to deliver quality social services.”

Alupo reminded the audience of the vast market opportunities available. “We have a domestic market of 45 million people, a regional East African market of over 300 million, and a continental African market of 1.3 billion people. These are opportunities waiting to be tapped,” she emphasised.

Encouraging professionalism and patriotism, Alupo added, “You, as our ambassadors abroad, should represent Uganda’s interests with integrity. We implore you to save and reinvest in our country to fuel its transformation.”

The Vice President officially inaugurated the convention, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment and sustainable development.

“Together, we can make Uganda a strategic ally in Africa’s transformation journey,” she concluded.

Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of the diaspora in Uganda’s development agenda.

“This convention is a landmark initiative aimed at empowering the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to our socio-economic transformation. The Ministry remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for their engagement and investment.”

The inaugural Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Convention running from 18th to 19th December 2024, themed “Mobilising Uganda’s Diaspora for Socio-Economic Transformation,” drew hundreds of Ugandan nationals living abroad, government officials, business leaders, and development partners to discuss strategies for collaboration and investment.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has officially opened the new building for the School of Law, re-opened the renovated Lumumba Hall and laid the foundation stone for the proposed building for the School of Graduate Studies and Research.