Govt hails diaspora role in economy as remittances reach sh9 trillion

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Today, the diaspora community is one of Uganda's most valuable national assets. Through remittances, investment, knowledge transfer and international networks, the diaspora makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy, Henry Wabyona, the deputy head of the State House Diaspora Unit, said.

Wabyona made the remarks during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) South Africa victory celebrations and the launch of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO in Cape Town on March 28, 2026.

According to the Bank of Uganda, remittance inflows reached an estimated $2.5b (about sh9.36 trillion) in 2025, significantly higher than earlier estimates of around $1.5b (about sh5.6 trillion).

Wabyona said this explains why the Government of Uganda places great importance on strengthening structured engagement with Ugandans living abroad.

NRM secretary general, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, speaking the National Resistance Movement (NRM) South Africa victory celebrations and the launch of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO in Cape Town on March 28, 2026. (Courtesy photo)

He noted that the establishment of the State House Diaspora Unit reflects the government’s commitment to ensure that the voices, concerns and aspirations of Ugandans in the diaspora are heard and integrated into national development.

'NRM resounding victory'

Wabyona also congratulated the NRM and its supporters on the resounding electoral victory, saying the outcome reflected continued public confidence in the party’s leadership and vision.

“This victory reflects the continued confidence that the people of Uganda have in the leadership and vision of the NRM,” he said.

He commended the NRM chapter in South Africa for mobilising support and sustaining patriotism among Ugandans in the diaspora.

NRM members cutting cake during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) South Africa victory celebrations. (Courtesy photo)

“Your commitment demonstrates that distance from home does not diminish one’s love for their country. Many of you came to Kampala to canvass support for H.E. the President,” he said.

Wabyona also welcomed the establishment of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO, describing it as an important platform for mobilising savings and promoting collective investment among Ugandans living abroad.

He noted that the government strongly encourages diaspora-led initiatives that promote collective investment in areas such as real estate, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and innovation.

“These sectors hold tremendous potential for Ugandans in the diaspora who wish to invest back home,” he said.

“Our country continues to enjoy political stability, a growing economy and a youthful population eager to participate in economic transformation. With improved infrastructure, expanding regional markets and investor-friendly policies, Uganda offers great opportunities for both diaspora and local investors,” he added.

President Museveni represented

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented at the event by the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong.

In his message, Museveni encouraged Ugandans in the diaspora to embrace the party’s principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation.

NRM members pose for a photo during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) South Africa victory celebrations and the launch of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO in Cape Town on March 28, 2026. (Courtesy photo)

“In addition to the many good things we are doing, our manifesto this time focuses more on improving household incomes and reaching out to all economically challenged groups such as the youth, women, the urban poor and the diaspora,” the message read.

He also highlighted Uganda’s consistent economic growth of 6–8% annually, noting that “this growth should benefit the bottom poor in order to realise the dreams of the NRM revolution.”