MPs ask Ugandans in Southern Africa to invest back home!

The Government Chief Whip Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, emphasized the importance of Ugandans in the diaspora investing back home and promoting the country’s vast investment opportunities and tourism potential. This call was made during the two-day inaugural Convention of Ugandans living in Southern Africa (COUSA) held at the Villa Africa Boutique Hotel in Pretoria on Saturday, 18 November 2023.

COUSA, uniting nearly one million Ugandans in Southern African countries, aims to represent the collective will and aspirations of all Ugandan communities in the region, fostering inclusive development and empowerment. Hon. Denis Hamson Obua expressed that the convention serves as a unifying platform contributing to the socio-economic development and transformation of Uganda.

COUSA members attending the conference

Accompanied by several Ugandan MPs, including Hon. John Bosco Ikojo and Hon. Tony Ayo, the Government whip encouraged attendees to engage with the MPs on legal matters during an open session. He highlighted the importance of addressing constraints faced by the diaspora due to laws passed by the Parliament of Uganda.

As of 2022, Ugandan diaspora remittances constituted 4.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, amounting to US$ 1.3 billion. To acknowledge the diaspora’s contribution, a Diaspora Services Department was established in 2007 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Paul Amoru, noted the diverse skill set and human resources within the Ugandan community in Southern Africa, emphasizing their potential to contribute to the national development agenda. He highlighted existing investments by both Ugandans in Southern Africa and South African companies in Uganda.

Ambassador Amoru addressing the conference

Moses Badru Ssentongo, interim COUSA chairperson, requested budgetary support for COUSA, similar to Ugandans in the United Arab Emirates, to assist members during times of distress. He commended the government for initiatives such as processing national IDs and passports at the Uganda Embassy in Pretoria and reducing the cost of sending passports back to Uganda.

Special participants at the convention included representatives from the Uganda Development Bank, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, Uganda Airlines, and dfcu Bank. The High Commission plans to introduce the Diaspora High Achievers Awards at the 2024 convention to recognize exceptional contributions of Ugandans in Southern Africa. The convention also included meetings on investment and diplomacy and was addressed by Andile Ramaphosa, son of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.