By Richard Onapatum
The Ugandan Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Industry recently met with Ugandans living in the Diaspora in Pretoria, South Africa, to explore ways to boost national development. The meeting, facilitated by Ambassador Pau Amory, focused on key sectors like trade, agriculture, mining, tourism, and services.
Committee members, including Hon. Sylvia Nayebale and Hon. Boniface Henry Okot, emphasized the importance of leveraging the potential of Ugandans living abroad to foster national growth. They encouraged the Diaspora community to invest in Uganda’s tourism sector and explore business opportunities back home.
The meeting was attended by prominent committee members, including Hon. Sylvia Nayebale (Chairperson), Hon. Boniface Henry Okot (Deputy Chairperson), Hon. Mugole Mauku David (Kabweri), Hon. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa (Igara West), Hon. Timuzigu Kamugisha Michael (Kajara), and Hon. Koluo Joseph Andrew (Toroma).
Ambassador Amory opened the session by emphasizing the importance of leveraging the potential of Ugandans living abroad to foster national growth. He highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving economic development in Uganda.
Hon. Sylvia Nayebale, Chairperson of the Committee, underscored the untapped potential in Uganda’s tourism sector. “Uganda offers unique tourism opportunities that remain largely untapped. We encourage our Diaspora community to invest in our beautiful country’s tourism potential,” she stated.
Hon. Boniface Henry Okot spoke on the importance of enhancing trade relations and urged Ugandans in the Diaspora to explore business opportunities back home. “Our goal is to create a conducive environment for trade and investment. We invite our fellow Ugandans to seize these opportunities and contribute to national development,” he remarked.
Hon. Koluo Joseph Andrew, MP for Toroma, highlighted the significance of the meeting and the potential for collaborative efforts. “This gathering is a testament to the strength of our community and the potential we have to drive economic growth in Uganda. By working together, we can create opportunities that benefit both Ugandans at home and abroad,” he commented.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both the committee members and the Ugandan Diaspora to continue working together on initiatives aimed at enhancing Uganda’s economic development. The discussions were seen as a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between Uganda and its citizens living abroad.
This gathering is part of the government’s efforts to engage with the Diaspora community, as seen in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diaspora Department, which aims to mobilize Ugandans abroad for national development.
Similar efforts have been made in the past, such as the 2nd Convention of Ugandans in Southern Africa, which reinforced the government’s commitment to supporting the Diaspora as vital partners in promoting sustainable national development. Uganda also hosted the Inaugural Diaspora Convention in December 2024, focusing on mobilizing the Diaspora for social development.