The Government of Uganda has strengthened its commitment to harnessing the potential of Ugandans living abroad through a successful Diaspora Engagement and Skills Mapping Training held in South Africa.
The initiative, led by the State House Diaspora Unit, brought together members of the Ugandan community in South Africa for a comprehensive capacity-building program aimed at promoting skills recognition, investment mobilization, and structured collaboration with the homeland.
Speaking at the close of the training on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, commended the participants and partners for their active involvement, describing the exercise as a “milestone in empowering the diaspora to contribute effectively to Uganda’s development agenda.”
“Our diaspora remains one of Uganda’s greatest assets. Together, through unity, innovation, and shared purpose, we can harness this potential to drive national transformation,” Bagonza said.
The initiative, organized in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on equipping embassy staff and diaspora leaders with practical tools to improve service delivery, promote investment, and strengthen Uganda’s global network.
Officials noted that the training marked a new phase in institutionalizing diaspora engagement a move aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, investment opportunities, and socio-economic growth driven by Ugandans abroad.
Bagonza emphasized that the government’s vision is to transform Uganda’s diaspora into an integral partner in national development, turning skills and remittances into engines for innovation and prosperity.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa Ambassador Paul Amour applauded the State House Diaspora Unit for its continued efforts in strengthening engagement with Ugandans living abroad. He commended the Unit’s initiatives aimed at fostering unity, investment, and knowledge exchange between the diaspora and their home country.
The Ambassador pledged to work closely with key stakeholders including government institutions, private sector partners, and diaspora associations to promote Uganda’s development agenda, support diaspora-driven investments, and ensure that Ugandans abroad remain active contributors to the nation’s social and economic growth.
