Politics 15 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Government Encourages Diaspora Investment and Unveils New Policy in Ethiopia
The Ugandan government is urging its citizens in Ethiopia to invest in their home country and transfer skills, coinciding with the upcoming launch of a comprehensive National Diaspora Policy aimed at strengthening engagement with Ugandans abroad. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/government-urges-ugandans-in-ethiopia-to-invest-home-unveils-new-diaspora-policy-5633866
The Ugandan Embassy in Addis Ababa recently hosted a significant diaspora engagement forum, bringing together Ugandans residing in Ethiopia to foster stronger connections and encourage contributions to national development. The event, themed “Connecting, Celebrating and Contributing: Harnessing the Ugandan Diaspora for National Development,” served as a platform for government officials to appeal for increased investment, skill transfer, and cross-border business collaborations.
Ambassador Johnnie Muhindo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diaspora Services Department announced that a National Diaspora Policy is in its final drafting stages. This policy, shaped through global consultations with Ugandan diaspora communities, is intended to formalize and enhance the government’s engagement with its citizens living overseas and is a key component of the nation’s commercial diplomacy efforts.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rebecca Amuge Otengo, emphasized that national development is a collective endeavor. She encouraged Ugandans abroad to remain connected to their homeland, share their expertise, and actively participate in the country’s growth. Otengo also promoted the importance of staying informed about national affairs, visiting Uganda regularly, and maintaining positive relationships within their host country.
The forum facilitated discussions on investment opportunities, skill-sharing initiatives, and strategic partnerships between the diaspora, the Ugandan government, and the private sector. Representatives from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) were present to offer advisory services and information on programs relevant to citizens abroad. As a tangible outcome, registered Ugandans received their national ID cards, and NIRA and NSSF desks remained open at the embassy for ongoing support.
Ethiopia’s Director-General for African Affairs, Wondafrash Debere Tolera, praised the Ugandan community’s contributions to Ethiopia’s development and highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, referencing the significant Ethiopian presence in Kampala as a model for potential commercial and trade growth. The event underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging its diaspora for economic advancement.