The State House Diaspora Unit has launched a Global Diaspora Engagement Webinar Series, a new initiative designed to enhance structured engagement between the Government of Uganda and Ugandans living abroad.
Speaking at the launch, the Head of the Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, described the diaspora as a key national asset, noting that its economic and developmental contributions continue to grow significantly.
He revealed that in 2025 alone, diaspora remittances reached approximately US$2.5 billion (about Shs 9.5 trillion), supporting households, education, healthcare, and business development across Uganda.
Bagonza, however, stressed that the diaspora’s impact goes beyond financial remittances, pointing to its role in investment, skills transfer, innovation, and global networking that continues to enhance Uganda’s international profile.
“It is because of this that organised engagement with the diaspora is not optional, but necessary,” he said.
According to the Unit, the webinar series will be held bi-weekly and will serve as a direct communication platform between Ugandans abroad and key government institutions.
Participating agencies will include the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions are expected to address a range of issues affecting the diaspora, including dual citizenship, visa and immigration processes, land ownership concerns, access to national identity cards, and investment opportunities.
Emerging national policy issues, including the proposed Protection of the Sovereignty Bill, will also feature in the engagements.
“This will be a platform for clarity, engagement, and solutions,” Bagonza said.
He also cautioned against fragmented engagement within diaspora communities, saying that operating in isolated groups weakens their collective influence and bargaining power.
Bagonza encouraged Ugandans abroad to participate actively and engage in a structured manner to ensure their concerns are effectively communicated and addressed.
“For your voice to have a real impact, it must be coordinated, structured, and aggregated. That is the role we are here to play,” he said, adding that the initiative is intended to serve as a bridge between government and Ugandans abroad through continuous dialogue and information sharing.
Other officials who attended the launch included Deputy Head of Unit Henry Wabyona, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value Addition Development Dr Hillary Emmanuel Musoke, and Unit Liaison Officer Topher Matsiko.
