Uganda has embarked on an ambitious project to map its scattered diaspora population, aiming to harness their potential for the country’s development. This initiative, spearheaded by Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Abby Walusimbi, seeks to understand the demographics, size, and distribution of Ugandans living abroad.
“The goal is to establish a clear picture of our diaspora,” Walusimbi explained. “This data will be crucial for formulating policies and programs that effectively engage these communities.”
Official estimates suggest over 4 million Ugandans reside outside the country. While not all maintain active ties, a significant portion actively contributes. Remittances from the diaspora community topped a staggering $1.42 billion in 2022, a remarkable 13.4% increase from the previous year. These funds, along with investments in sectors like agriculture, education, and tourism, have played a vital role in Uganda’s economic growth and job creation.
The mapping exercise goes beyond just numbers. It also aims to provide much-needed support for Ugandans abroad. “We want to offer deliberate government attention to overcome the challenges they face on foreign soil,” Walusimbi emphasized.
The initiative kicks off in the United States, with visits planned to California, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois. Ugandan officials will meet with diaspora chapters to assess their needs and explore potential solutions. From North America, the project will move to Canada, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with a detailed schedule to be released soon.
US-based Ugandan communications officer Sharon Nirere expressed her optimism. “This mapping exercise aligns perfectly with my desire to see both personal growth and the development of Uganda’s economy,” she said in a virtual interview. “Many of the issues we face – misused remittances, racial abuse, lack of documentation – remain unaddressed because the government simply isn’t aware. I believe this mapping will pave the way for solutions.”
The Ugandan government’s commitment to its diaspora is evident. The creation of a dedicated office led by Ambassador Walusimbi exemplifies this focus. “We want to find the best way to facilitate knowledge transfer and innovation,” Walusimbi said. “Building strong social, cultural, and economic connections between our diaspora and Uganda is paramount. Additionally, protecting and maximizing the value of remittances sent back home is a key priority.”
