Senior Presidential Advisor on Agri-Business and Liaison Officer for Diaspora Affairs, Dr Hillary Emmanuel Musoke Kisanja, has urged Ugandans living abroad to actively engage in the country’s development, citing their strategic role in transforming Uganda’s economy through remittances, investment, and innovation.
Speaking during the inaugural Uganda Diaspora Convention in Tanzania, held from May 23 to 24 in Dar es Salaam, Musoke described the diaspora as “a vital force for socio-economic transformation” and outlined a series of new government initiatives aimed at enhancing their participation in national development.
“This convention is more than a gathering, it is a movement. It signals a new chapter in our collective commitment to engage the diaspora as a cornerstone of Uganda’s future,” he told delegates.
Musoke announced the rollout of a comprehensive Diaspora Information Management System, designed to register Ugandans living abroad and provide better consular services and targeted support.
He also unveiled a soon-to-launch Diaspora App, which will act as a one-stop digital portal for embassy services, government updates, and community engagement tools.
In addition, he revealed that a Diaspora Call Centre is being established to facilitate real-time communication between Ugandans abroad and government institutions, ensuring timely assistance and responses to queries.
“We want to hear your voices, your challenges, and your solutions. Engagement is not a one-way street. This is a partnership,” he emphasized.
He also disclosed that the government is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a National Diaspora Policy, incorporating best practices from benchmarking visits to Ethiopia, India, and Kenya.
The policy aims to streamline diaspora mobilization, attract investment, and formalize structured engagement.
The convention, held under the theme “Harnessing the Diaspora Potential for Socio-Economic Transformation: Strengthening Uganda-Tanzania Ties”, also sought to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances and a unity half-marathon through Dar es Salaam’s Msasani suburb on May 24.
The run, supported by the Uganda High Commission, brought together dozens of Ugandans and Tanzanian friends in a symbolic show of brotherhood.