Uganda has urged its citizens in China to help drive investment, skills transfer and technology sourcing as part of its national growth strategy….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Uganda has called on its citizens living in China to play a greater role in advancing national development, with the government positioning the diaspora as strategic partners in its Tenfold Growth Strategy and ATMS transformation agenda. The appeal was made at the Uganda Diaspora Day Forum in Beijing, which brought together students, entrepreneurs, businesspeople and professionals.
The forum was organised by the Ugandan Embassy in Beijing and the Ugandan Consulate in Guangzhou as part of activities marking the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Senior officials from Uganda’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs, along with representatives of ministries, departments and agencies and private sector institutions, also participated virtually from Kampala.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Oliver Wonekha described Ugandans in the diaspora as important partners in advancing the country’s development ambitions.
She urged Ugandans in China to make use of investment opportunities and contribute through skills transfer, technology sourcing, entrepreneurship and other forms of engagement.
Wonekha also encouraged diaspora members to register with Uganda’s diplomatic missions, seek consular guidance when required and comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
She said the government was considering expanding Uganda’s consular presence to other major Chinese cities to better serve its citizens.
How is Uganda engaging its diaspora in China?
The forum featured presentations on consular services, Uganda’s National Immigration Policy 2025, investment opportunities and incentives, taxation and customs procedures, and financial services aimed at the diaspora.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Uganda Investment Authority outlined opportunities for investment and wealth creation. Representatives of the Uganda Revenue Authority, Old Mutual and Centenary Bank also briefed participants on taxation, customs and financial solutions.
The discussions highlighted areas where Ugandans in China could contribute to national development, including investment, technology acquisition, skills transfer and secure financial engagement.
Participants were also briefed on challenges facing diaspora communities, including misinformation and the risk of exploitation.
The forum provided an opportunity for Ugandan institutions to engage directly with citizens in China and discuss how their expertise, networks and resources could support the country’s development priorities.
What is Uganda’s ATMS development agenda?
Uganda’s ATMS framework focuses on four key areas: agro-based industrialisation, tourism development, mineral development including oil and gas, and science, technology and innovation.
The government is seeking to align the skills and resources of Ugandans abroad with these priorities as part of its broader Tenfold Growth Strategy.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Muheesi thanked members of the Ugandan diaspora for participating in the forum and urged them to remain vigilant and support one another.
He also called on Ugandans in China to comply with host-country regulations and maintain a positive image of Uganda.
The forum established a platform for continued engagement between Ugandan diaspora communities in China, diplomatic missions, government agencies and private sector institutions.
Ugandan authorities said follow-up engagement would continue through the missions and relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to contribute to future diaspora programmes supporting the Tenfold Growth Strategy and Uganda’s stated ambition of building a USD 500 billion economy by 2040.
