Uganda Diaspora in Ethiopia: A Push for Investment and Development

Uganda recently hosted a significant two-day engagement for its diaspora community residing in Ethiopia, focusing on bolstering their role in the nation’s development. The event, themed “Connecting, Celebrating and Contributing: Harnessing the Ugandan Diaspora for National Development,” took place at the Hilton Addis Ababa.

Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda’s representative in Ethiopia, emphasized the critical role of Ugandans abroad in shaping the country’s image and fostering bilateral relations. She urged the diaspora to maintain integrity, respect host country laws, and actively contribute to Uganda’s transformation through their expertise, investments, and ideas.

Ethiopia’s strategic position as the headquarters for the African Union and a hub for international organizations offers a unique platform for Ugandan professionals, businesspeople, and students to engage in valuable networking and knowledge exchange. The Ethiopian government, represented by Wondafrash Debere Tolera, acknowledged the positive contributions of Ugandans and highlighted the growing Ethiopian community in Uganda, suggesting a strong foundation for enhanced commercial ties.

Johnnie Muhindo, Head of the Diaspora Services Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that diaspora mobilization is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economic diplomacy. The government is finalizing a National Diaspora Policy designed to create a robust framework for engagement, encouraging investment and skills transfer from Ugandans worldwide.

The event also facilitated practical support, with representatives from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) providing essential services and information to the diaspora. This initiative underscores Uganda’s commitment to integrating its global community into its development agenda.