The State House Diaspora Unit has revealed that the Global Diaspora Engagement Webinar Series, a new platform aimed at strengthening engagement between Government and Ugandans living abroad who contributed about $ 2.5 billion in remittances in 2025, making it Uganda’s highest forex earner.
According to the head of the unit, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, the online platform is part of broader efforts to create a more organised and coordinated diaspora engagement framework that ensures the voices of Ugandans abroad are not only heard but also consolidated into meaningful policy and development discussions.
“In 2025 alone, remittances reached approximately $ 2.5 billion (approximately Shs 9.25 Trillion), directly supporting families, education, healthcare, and businesses, but your contribution goes far beyond remittances, it includes investment, skills, knowledge transfer, innovation, and global networks that position Uganda on the international stage” he said.
Mr Bagonza made the remarks while officiating over the launch of the Global Diaspora Engagement Webinar Series on Wednesday evening in Kampala.
“Through these engagements, we will address key issues that matter to you, such as Dual citizenship, Visa and immigration processes, Land matters, National ID access, Investment opportunities, and emerging national issues such as the Protection of Sovereignty Bill” he said.
Mr Bagonza said the bi weekly webinar series will have more structured flow of information, responses, and follow-ups and act as a platform where Ugandans abroad can have their views heard, consolidated and presented formally.
“Over the next few months, you should expect a consistent rhythm of engagement through this platform, bi-weekly webinars focused on priority diaspora issues, direct engagements with key government institutions such as National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” he said.
Mr Bagonza further warned against fragmentation, noting that many Ugandans abroad engage individually or in smaller groups.
“That is understandable. But for your voice to have a real impact, it must be coordinated, structured, and aggregated….. Our interactions with you will be more than just conversations; they will serve as a bridge that connects the government to Ugandans living abroad through information sharing, engagement, and collaboration” he said.
The deputy head of the unit, Mr Henry Wabyona said the unit is in the process of establishing a Diaspora Call Centre, which will provide real-time support, facilitate referrals, and connect Ugandans abroad to the relevant government institutions and missions.
Additionally, Mr Wabyona said the unit is actively working with key partners, including the Bank of Uganda, the Ministry of Finance, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to implement remittance reforms.
“These efforts are aimed at reducing the cost of sending money back home, promoting the use of formal channels, and encouraging investment in priority sectors such as agriculture, ICT, tourism, and real estate” he said.
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value-Addition Dr. Hillary Emmanuel Musoke, urged Ugandans in the diaspora to invest in agribusiness and value addition in order to promote Uganda’s products on the global market.
“Many of you have access to capital, many own land or possess networks that can support investment but most importantly, you have the global exposure and market connections that can position Ugandan products competitively on the international stage” he said.
