MOMBASA, Kenya – The Ugandan delegation, led by H.E. Amb. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, has concluded a productive engagement at the COMESA-IOM Diaspora Investment Workshop in Mombasa, where discussions focused on transforming diaspora remittances into high-growth, productive capital across regional trade corridors.
Uganda’s Diplomat, Dickson Ogwang Okul, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, a member of the Ugandan delegation, delivered a compelling intervention urging African nations to adopt a state-backed approach modeled on Uganda's long-standing diaspora engagement strategy. He highlighted President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's personal commitment—a $100,000 annual allocation since 2012 to facilitate diaspora engagements in North America—as a blueprint for unlocking diaspora potential. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for its efforts in encouraging diaspora engagement both at home and abroad.
"While we encourage the diaspora to invest at home, they must also be our global ambassadors—promoting investments, identifying potential partners, and driving the socio-economic transformation of their home countries," Okul said, citing the example of diaspora leader Willy Mutenza for his contributions in the United Kingdom.
Remittances to Uganda have surged to approximately $1.42 billion annually, though a significant portion remains directed toward consumption rather than productive investment, a challenge the workshop aimed to address. The discussions built on COMESA's ongoing efforts to build the capacity of diplomats and investment agencies to attract diaspora direct investment.
The workshop wrapped up with a renewed commitment to leveraging diaspora capital for sustainable development and regional integration.
