Ambassador Walusimbi roots for collaboration in diaspora community to grow Uganda’s economy

Kampala, (UG): The Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi has stressed the importance of collaboration for cohesion and encouraged creative ways to bridge the gap between the Diaspora community and Uganda as a way of leveraging opportunities to grow the Ugandan economy.

The Ambassador who is also the former President of the United African Federation USA, revealed this during a meeting with the Uganda Diaspora community leaders from the US at the President’s Office in Kampala.

The Friday meeting which included notable diaspora leaders such as Susan Gakwavu and Patrick Ogwang served as a nexus for engagement, dialogue and partnership-building to foster unity among the Ugandan Diaspora community.

Addressing the leaders, the Ambassador noted the promising future where Diaspora members are at the forefront of Uganda’s development agenda. He gave an example of having a Diaspora SACCo, which he said, with government support can help members achieve their financial goals and access credit to support development projects.

“There is a need for a Diaspora SACCO, with government support, to empower Diaspora communities, to achieve their financial goals while having a reliable & affordable source of credit in an organized way to invest in projects like real estate development back home,” he said

The Ambassador further highlighted the diaspora department’s role in formulating a Diaspora policy, mentioning upcoming initiatives like Diaspora voting and issuing of new national IDs in Diaspora communities.

Hajj Walusimbi said his office working together with the Foreign Affairs Ministry is planning a routine Global Diaspora Business Gala, to mobilize Diaspora members in support the growth of Uganda’s economy.

Patrick Ogwang, who is both a community leader and businessman, expressed enthusiasm for Ugandan youth to access the global market, through online platforms like Freelancer and Fiverr.

This, he said will encourage Diaspora involvement in trade & investment, recognizing the potential for creating employment opportunities that connect Diaspora businesses with Ugandan youth innovators/entrepreneurs.

Susan Gakwavu, the President of the Ugandan Community Organization in California, shared plans for a sustainable agro-forestry project in Nakasongola District. Ms Gukwavu implored diasporas to continue collaborating, investing, and transferring knowledge & skills, in a bid to drive Uganda toward a stronger, and more prosperous nation.

In the end, the delegation commended the His Excellency President Museveni, for the improved road networks, making rural areas more accessible.