President Yoweri Museveni has officially endorsed a strategic diaspora initiative aimed at strengthening Uganda’s economic development through increased investment, tourism promotion, and market expansion in North America.
The endorsement came during a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe on Saturday, June 14, 2025, where the President met with a 25-member delegation of the NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, led by Boaz Byayesu Kabururu and Richard Kyabihende Nkuru from the United States.
President Museveni highlighted critical infrastructure needs, particularly low-cost housing near Uganda’s expanding industrial parks. He noted that workers at facilities in Namanve, Mukono, Kapeeka, and Mbale are facing accommodation challenges that force lengthy commutes.
“These industrial parks are capturing big populations, and low-cost houses would help us so that these people just walk to their workplaces,” the President explained, identifying this as a prime investment opportunity for diaspora investors.
The diaspora team presented comprehensive proposals for channeling remittances into productive enterprises through cooperative investment schemes, real estate ventures, and small-to-medium enterprises targeting Uganda’s fast-growing sectors.
David Matanda outlined specific savings strategies being promoted among diaspora communities, including fixed deposit accounts offering 10-15% annual interest and investments in stock markets and real estate.
President Museveni praised these initiatives, particularly endorsing treasury bills as secure investment vehicles. “Treasury bills are secure money, where the government borrows from the public and then gives you interest, for sure. So, this is a smart move,” he stated.
The delegation committed to establishing diaspora-led trade channels to connect Ugandan producers directly with North American consumers and retailers. Priority products include coffee, vanilla, tea, crafts, and agricultural produce.
President Museveni encouraged this export-focused approach, urging diaspora members to invest in commercial agriculture, particularly crops in high European demand such as passion fruits.
Brian Kwesiga, former President of the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) based in Washington, DC, reported securing an importer’s license for alcoholic beverages, including wine and spirits, for the U.S. market.
Tourism emerged as another key focus area, with the delegation proposing digital marketing campaigns, diaspora-led tours, and partnerships with travel influencers to boost Uganda’s international profile.
Brenda Nangasha requested land allocation for state-of-the-art lodges in national parks, aimed at attracting high-end tourists and countering negative international publicity.
President Museveni supported the tourism initiatives, drawing parallels to successful partnerships with international investors like the ruler of Sharjah in the UAE for airport and hotel development. He particularly emphasized attracting visitors of African descent, noting Uganda’s favorable climate and cuisine.
The President formally recognized the delegation as the principal NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, tasking them with coordinating all future diaspora engagement efforts. The group’s mandate includes savings promotion, market identification, tourism enhancement, misinformation countering, investor attraction, skills transfer facilitation, and fostering unity among Ugandans abroad.
“The endorsement marks a significant milestone in formalizing diaspora contributions toward Uganda’s development agenda,” said team leader Byayesu Kabururu.
The initiative represents a renewed government commitment to actively involving Uganda’s global diaspora in national development and international advocacy efforts. Implementation of the action points is expected to begin immediately, with coordination through relevant ministries and agencies.
