Summary:
- Vice President Alupo urged the diaspora to promote the country’s parks, waterfalls, mountains, and diverse cultures.
KAMPALA: The Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, has called on Ugandans living in the diaspora to leverage their global exposure to attract investments and promote the country’s tourism potential.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the inaugural Diaspora Convention held at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Wednesday, Alupo emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora in Uganda’s development.
“The Diaspora is Uganda’s greatest ambassador. Use your global exposure to bring investments home. More investments mean more jobs and incomes for Ugandans, as well as higher revenues for quality services. Think of Uganda first our future depends on it,” she said.
Highlighting Uganda’s natural beauty, Alupo urged the diaspora to promote the country’s parks, waterfalls, mountains, and diverse cultures.
“Uganda’s beauty is unmatched! From Bwindi’s gorillas to Kidepo’s savannahs, our tourism potential is vast. The Diaspora is a strategic ally in transforming Uganda,” she stated.
Alupo stressed that Uganda’s development must primarily be driven by its citizens.
“Nations thrive when their citizens take charge. Diaspora savings should be invested at home before seeking foreign investors. Your capital, knowledge, and entrepreneurship are key,” she noted.
She outlined the five factors essential for production land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship, and knowledge and pointed out that while Uganda has abundant land and labor, it requires the other three to drive growth.
“The Diaspora can bridge this gap, transforming untapped resources into wealth and growth,” she added.
Alupo highlighted opportunities in commercial agriculture, industries, services, and ICT, noting the progress made since 1986 under the NRM government.
“From 90% of Ugandans engaged in subsistence farming, 37% are now involved in productive ventures,” she explained.
The Vice President also spoke about the importance of producers and consumers in driving modern economies.
“Producers create goods and services; consumers buy them. Uganda offers large markets and good infrastructure roads, electricity, ICT, and access to regional and continental markets,” she said.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s peace and stability as a foundation for investment.
“The NRM has built peace and stability, supported by infrastructure development and private-sector-friendly policies. The time to invest in Uganda is now,” Alupo concluded.
Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised Ugandans abroad for their contributions to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Welcoming the diaspora to the convention, he emphasized its significance as a platform for engagement and collaboration.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandated to protect Uganda’s interests abroad, including engaging and mobilizing the diaspora to contribute to national development,” he said.
Drawing global lessons, Odongo highlighted examples of diaspora-driven growth:
India: $125 billion in remittances in 2023, accounting for 3% of GDP, the Philippines: $33 billion in remittances, significantly reducing poverty, Ethiopia: $4.5 billion remitted annually, with investments in tourism and agriculture.
Odongo commended Ugandans abroad for remittances and investments in healthcare, real estate, and agriculture, urging them to scale up their efforts.
“Beyond supporting families, larger-scale projects can enhance national development and yield greater personal returns,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged challenges faced by the diaspora, such as dual citizenship, visa issues, and accessing government services.
“Efforts are underway to address these concerns and create a conducive environment for engagement,” he assured.
Odongo announced plans to make the Diaspora Convention an annual event to ensure consistent dialogue and collaboration with Ugandans abroad.
