The Minister for the Presidency has urged Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region to invest in Uganda, share their expertise and build international partnerships to support economic transformation.
The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has urged Ugandans living in Australia and the wider Australasian region to invest in Uganda, promote the country’s image abroad and contribute their skills to national development.
Babalanda made the call on Saturday, October 17, while addressing the UG@64 Australasian Independence Gala, Business and Cultural Convention in Melbourne. The three-day event marks Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary under the theme “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership”.
Babalanda, who conveyed greetings from President Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, urged the diaspora to view themselves as strategic partners in Uganda’s economic transformation.
“Do not only encourage foreigners to invest in Uganda; invest in Uganda yourselves. You understand our country, its people, culture and opportunities,” she said.
She commended Ugandans abroad for their remittances, expertise and international networks, but challenged them to do more by forming business partnerships, facilitating technology transfer and connecting Ugandan entrepreneurs to overseas markets.
Babalanda also urged diaspora members to act as credible ambassadors by showcasing Uganda’s tourism attractions, culture, investment opportunities and hospitality.
She noted that television, social media and news platforms often give negative incidents greater prominence than positive developments, cautioning Ugandans abroad against allowing isolated events to define the country’s image.
However, she emphasised that promoting Uganda should not mean concealing its challenges.
“Patriotism does not mean hiding our weaknesses. It means acknowledging challenges, contributing to solutions and ensuring that our country's strengths and potential are not overlooked,” she said.
She encouraged diaspora members to provide prospective investors with reliable information about Uganda and connect them to credible local business partners.
Babalanda said Uganda was entering a critical phase of economic transformation guided by the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.
She cited the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy towards $500 billion, identifying agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, manufacturing, and science and technology as priority sectors.
The minister also welcomed Ugandans considering returning home to establish businesses, raise families, share their skills or retire.
She called for greater diaspora involvement in programmes targeting young people through internships, scholarships, mentorship and technology transfer, saying these initiatives could help translate political independence into economic independence.
Babalanda commended Ugandans in Australasia for preserving their heritage through music, language, food and traditional values. She urged parents to help their children appreciate their Ugandan roots and encouraged cultural exchanges to strengthen ties with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries represented at the convention.
She challenged participants to leave the gathering with three commitments: promoting Uganda positively and truthfully, building partnerships that attract investment and knowledge, and contributing personally to national development.
“Uganda belongs to all of us. Its future is a shared responsibility, and its opportunities should inspire us to work together regardless of where we live,” she said.
The convention also featured the UPAVA Awards, which recognised Ugandans in the r
egion for leadership, enterprise, community service and cultural preservation.