Ugandans in Diaspora Share Global Success Stories at 2nd Uganda Diaspora Convention

Kampala — Ugandans living abroad have been hailed as a critical pillar of the country’s development agenda as they shared inspiring global success stories during a high-level panel at the 2nd Uganda Diaspora Convention, currently underway at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The panel discussion, titled “Success Stories from the Diaspora Abroad,” was moderated by Mr Mohammed Bagonza, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit. The session followed a series of engagements aimed at strengthening service delivery and deepening government engagement with Ugandans living abroad.

In his opening remarks, Mr Bagonza thanked members of the diaspora for attending the convention, describing their presence as a strong demonstration of commitment to Uganda’s development journey.

“The diaspora remains one of Uganda’s most strategic national assets,” Bagonza said. “Through remittances, investments, skills transfer, and global networks, you continue to play a critical role in strengthening our economy and shaping Uganda’s image internationally.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where diaspora engagement is encouraged, protected, and valued, noting that the success stories shared during the session offered both inspiration and practical lessons for Ugandans aspiring to make a global impact.

“These stories of resilience, innovation, and impact provide confidence and guidance to others seeking to follow similar paths,” he added.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, Mr Bagonza made a call for unity and responsibility among Ugandans at home and abroad, urging them to safeguard the country’s hard-earned stability.

He appealed to members of the diaspora to remain in the country and participate in the upcoming vote on January 15, 2026, encouraging them to vote wisely and peacefully.

The panel featured accomplished Ugandans from diverse sectors, including Mr Abdulhakka Sentamu, an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur; Mr Moses A. Mawa, Chairman and CEO of Silvertrust Media and Afroglobal Television; Ms Justine Musiime, a physiotherapist with the Uganda Diaspora Health Alliance Association; Dr Wilson Milton Were of the World Health Organisation; Mr Twesigye Jackson Kaguri of the Nyaka Organisation; Mr Raymond Muhekyi of Africa Runners Company Ltd; Mr Martin Isyagi Morut and Papamile Isyagi of Bee Pollination; Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL; and Mr Denis Asiimwe, a regional business specialist.

Representing the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero, Dr Cosmas Mwikirize highlighted the government’s focus on medium- and high-value products as a cornerstone of national transformation.

He cited the Kiira Motors vehicle processing plant, which currently has the capacity to produce 2,500 buses annually, with plans to scale up to 10,000 buses in the medium term.

Dr Mwikirize also pointed to the successful Uganda-to-Cape Town bus expedition, which has covered more than 9,000 kilometres without mechanical failure, as proof of the competitiveness of Uganda’s locally manufactured products in the African market.

Day Two of the convention, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is being held under the theme “The Role of the Diaspora in the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) Strategy.” The day opened with a presentation by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry and Coordinator of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects.

Amb Kabonero outlined Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which aims to double GDP every five years across the next three National Development Plans, raise per capita GDP from USD 1,093 to USD 7,000 by 2039/40, double national savings to 40 percent of GDP, and significantly increase value-added exports, human capital, and infrastructure capacity.

He emphasised the central role of the diaspora in supporting this agenda, particularly through remittances, investment, and skills transfer aligned with Uganda’s ATMS strategy—Afro-industrialisation, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science, Technology and Innovation.

The convention also featured a dynamic panel on “Diaspora and Remittances,” moderated by Ambassador Rebecca Otengo, with contributions from the Bank of Uganda, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Housing Finance Bank. Panellists called for a shift from consumption-driven remittances to structured savings, investment, and social protection, leveraging government securities and diaspora-friendly financial products for sustainable development.