Uganda to empower diaspora for national growth with global initiative
Uganda has launched a comprehensive diaspora mapping exercise to tap into the potential of its overseas nationals for the nation's development.
This initiative, spearheaded by senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs Abby Walusimbi, aims to offer targeted government attention and support to Ugandans living abroad, helping them overcome challenges faced in foreign countries.
"The goal is to establish demographics, understand the size, distribution, and characteristics of the Ugandan diaspora as well as gather data to inform policy formulation and programs to engage diaspora communities," Walusimbi told local news channel the Monitor.
According to official government data, over 4 million Ugandans reside outside the country. These expatriates significantly contribute to the development of Uganda, with remittances from the diaspora reaching $1.42 billion in 2022, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
Walusimbi, accompanied by several Ugandan government officials, departed from Kampala on June 30. The foreign mission, set to commence this week, will visit various states in the United States, including California, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois.
The largest Ugandan diaspora community is in Kenya, with 309,490 individuals. This is followed by South Sudan with 149,303, Rwanda with 96,724, the United Kingdom with 82,054, and the United States with 49,354.
