Uganda Seeks Diaspora Input in Toronto for New Support Policy

The Ugandan government is actively seeking insights from its citizens abroad as it crafts a new Diaspora Support Policy. A recent consultative meeting, organized by the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa and held in Toronto, brought together members of the diaspora, diplomatic officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Allan Kajik, Chargé d’Affaires of the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa, spearheaded the discussions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening the link between Ugandans in Canada and opportunities back home. The core objective is to leverage the skills, networks, and capital within the diaspora to foster national development, trade, and investment.

Key topics of discussion included mechanisms to facilitate easier investment and trade with Uganda for citizens living abroad. Participants also explored ways to support those considering returning, settling, or retiring in their home country. Concerns regarding the nationality and welfare of children and grandchildren born outside Uganda, as well as their access to information from the country, were also raised.

Policy consultant Dr. Abubaker Mohammad Moki and Dickson Ogwang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diaspora Department guided the dialogue. The meeting also touched upon Uganda’s 10-Fold Growth Strategy, with an emphasis on how diaspora expertise, trade, technology transfer, and capital investment can significantly contribute to achieving national development targets.

Ambassador Kajik reiterated the High Commission’s dedication to fostering stronger partnerships in areas such as trade, investment, and technology transfer. The consultations concluded with an agreement to maintain ongoing dialogue and information exchange to ensure the diaspora’s voice is integral to the evolving policy.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/372107/uganda-consults-toronto-diaspora-on-new-support-policy