Doha, Qatar: The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Doha successfully hosted the 2025 Uganda–Qatar Diaspora Convention, bringing together hundreds of Ugandan migrant workers, community leaders, government officials and private sector partners for a full day of engagement, empowerment and direct service delivery.
The event followed a three-day capacity-building programme for embassy staff and diaspora leaders, facilitated by Ms Victoria Nabiteeko, Programme Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kampala.
The training focused on migrant welfare, ethical diaspora management and strengthened community engagement. Embassy teams also conducted outreach visits to workers in accommodation facilities, including a high-level engagement with Mowasalat (Karwa) that gathered more than 110 Ugandans and several issues were addressed during the Convention.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit Mr Bagonza Muhammad, led the Convention alongside Mrs Desree Barlow, Presidential Assistant and Head of the Research Desk.
Mr Bagonza revealed that Uganda’s global diaspora remittances now surpass UGX 6.5 trillion annually, with Ugandans in the Gulf contributing nearly 40 percent. He also briefed participants on the upcoming Diaspora Law, progress on the Diaspora App, plans for a Government Call Centre, and preparations to deploy a mobile biometric kit and later a passport enrolment machine in Qatar.
Bagonza assured Ugandans that the Government is reviewing concerns over Interpol fees, telecom charges, money transfer costs and driving permit harmonisation.
Deputy Head of Mission Amb Dr Mohammed Baswari Kezaala commended the Ugandan community in Qatar for its discipline, unity and patriotism. He acknowledged their strong support for Uganda’s U-17 FIFA national team and underscored the importance of responsible financial habits, skills development and respectful conduct in the host country.
He described stronger bilateral relations, highlighted by the establishment of Qatar’s Embassy in Kampala, as a milestone achieved through the goodwill of His Highness the Emir of Qatar.
Uganda Community in Qatar (UGACOQ) Chairman, Mr Aliguma Saul Rayan encouraged Ugandans to remain united, register with community structures and work closely with the Embassy.
Key issues raised during the convention included mobile money fraud, recruitment agency overcharging, financial literacy gaps, high Interpol fees, driving permit challenges, telecom costs, diaspora voting clarity and the need for stronger banking linkages.
Government representatives reiterated that diaspora voting is already provided for in Ugandan law and will be implemented.
The programme also featured a dedicated cancer awareness session led by Mr Benson Akampumza, Chairman of Peninsula, hosted at Wings Sports Club in Lusail City. The event was enriched by a vibrant performance from the Twegatte Cultural Troupe, showcasing Uganda’s cultural heritage.
The 2025 Uganda–Qatar Diaspora Convention was widely praised for its organisation and responsiveness to the priorities of Ugandans living in Qatar. The Embassy expressed gratitude to all officials, community leaders and volunteers whose support ensured the convention’s success, reaffirming its commitment to sustained engagement, improved service delivery and stronger diaspora support systems.
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