KAMPALA, Uganda — Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda has urged Ugandans living abroad to go beyond sending remittances and invest their skills, technology, knowledge and capital in Uganda to support the country’s economic transformation.
Babalanda made the call on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while opening a High-Level Conference for Diaspora and Forced Migrant Communities at the Office of the President Conference Hall in Kampala.
The conference was held under the theme “Bridging Worlds: Diaspora & Forced Migrants for Shared Prosperity.”
In her address, Babalanda said migration is ultimately about people searching for hope and better lives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Ugandans at home, abroad and those returning to the country.
She commended the contribution of Ugandans in the diaspora, revealing that they sent approximately US$2.8 billion, equivalent to more than Shs10 trillion, in remittances during the 12 months to March 2026.
The figure represents an increase from the US$1.9 billion recorded during the previous year.
While acknowledging the importance of remittances to families and the wider economy, Babalanda challenged the diaspora to broaden its contribution through knowledge transfer, technology, skills, partnerships and investment.
She said the government, through the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs headed by Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, is working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that Ugandans abroad play a meaningful role in the country’s development agenda.
Babalanda also highlighted Uganda’s open-door refugee policy, saying the country’s hospitality demonstrates its commitment to human dignity.
Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations, according to the Minister, who said the country’s approach reflects the belief that people in need deserve support.
However, she urged forced migrants whose stay in Uganda has not been regularised to work with the relevant authorities to obtain the necessary documentation in accordance with Ugandan law.
She also reminded all communities living in Uganda that hospitality comes with responsibility, stressing the need to respect the country’s laws, just as Ugandans living abroad are expected to obey the laws of their host countries.
Babalanda further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assisting Ugandans who face difficulties abroad.
She cited recent government interventions to rescue and repatriate Ugandans from situations of exploitation, as well as the rehabilitation of thousands of returnees from South Africa at NALI-Kyankwanzi, where they received start-up and resettlement support.
Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi said the conference was intended to create practical connections between diaspora communities, returnees and forced migrants.
He said diaspora knowledge, networks, skills and resources could help create opportunities for forced migrants and returnees, while their experiences and resilience should also be recognised and supported.
Walusimbi said the conference was expected to produce practical outcomes, including a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ugandan diaspora communities, returnees and forced migrants.
He also called for practical initiatives through which diaspora networks can support livelihoods, skills transfer, mentorship and reintegration, including linkages with the National Return and Reintegration Framework being advanced by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Another expected outcome, he said, is stronger coordination among institutions dealing with diaspora affairs, foreign relations, returnees, refugees and local government.
These include the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, refugee management bodies and local governments.
“We believe that these outcomes are deliberately modest and achievable. We prefer a few things done well to many ideas that remain on paper,” Walusimbi said.
He noted that behind the conference discussions are Ugandan families receiving remittances for education and household needs, returnees rebuilding their livelihoods, forced migrants seeking stability and host communities sharing resources and services.
Walusimbi acknowledged that Uganda’s refugee-hosting policy and diaspora contributions have brought significant benefits, but also noted the pressure placed on public services, social cohesion and local economies, including in Kampala, refugee-hosting districts and regions such as Karamoja.
He said the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs would continue working to bridge these gaps by convening stakeholders, listening to communities and supporting practical collaboration while respecting the mandates of other institutions.
The conference brought together heads of diplomatic missions, senior government officials, representatives of diaspora and forced migrant communities, and civil society organisations.
