HOME COMING: UIA Tips Ugandan Diaspora On Key Investment Opportunities

By Stephen K. Galiwango 

KAMPALA-UGANDA: As Uganda moves confidently towards economic transformation , Ugandans living in the Diaspora are encouraged to explore opportunities, also form partnerships and invest back home.

Mr. Robert Mukiza , the Uganda Investment Authority Director General, says the Government of Uganda has put in place deliberate policies and strategies to encourage diaspora investment and participation in the National Development.

“UIA, in partnership with the ministry of Foreign Affairs and other MDAs and partners , are finalizingthe National Diaspora policy , which is expected to provide a cleaner, more predictable framework for diaspora engagement and Investment in Uganda” He assured the Diaspora.

In a special message read for him by Ms Ritah Nabateregga Mugula, the Deputy Director in charge Investment Promotion at the Uganda Investment Authority, during the Home coming Breakfast at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on December 28. 2025, Mr. Mukiza said, the role of the Ugandan Diaspora remains central as a strategic development partner and a Key Contributor in the country’s economic Agenda.

Taking about the key Investment opportunities in the country , Mukiza explained that , Uganda Continues to offer diverse opportunities across priority sectors such as commercial Farming, Agro Value addition , Agricultural inputs manufacturing, and Cold storage facilities.

The other priority sector include the extraction and processing of Gold, Tin, Colbat, Limestone, Rare Earth Elements and Tourism Development.

IMPORTANCE OF UGANDAN DIASPORA

The Director General said, the Ugandan Diaspora is a strategic Development partner which comprise skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and workers who contribute not only Capital, but also Global expertise, innovation, and access to international markets. He said Diaspora investors benefit from a range of incentives, including first-arrival privileges, access to land in industrial parks, income tax holidays up to 10 years for qualifying investments and sector specific incentives in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, ICT, and warehousing.

“The Diaspora remains a critical source of foreign exchange . In the financial year 2024/25, remittances amounted to approximately USD 1.5 billion (UGX 6.5 trillion), largely from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. These inflows support households, education, health services, and business formation making the Diaspora a pillar of Uganda’s economic resilience,” Mr. Mukiza explained.

Mr. Ronnie Mayanja , the Founder of the Uganda Diaspora Network who is based in the USA, said this year Ugandans living in the Diaspora had a reason to celebrate , because the Diaspora 's contribution was visible through remittances sent, businesses registered ,houses built and children educated which made a difference for them both abroad and at home.