Melbourne, Australia | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | Uganda’s diaspora has been challenged to move beyond remittances and become a strategic engine for national transformation, as more than 1,000 Ugandans from across Australasia gathered in Melbourne for the country’s 64th Independence celebrations.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the three-day programme, Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara conveyed the President’s warm greetings and appreciation to Ugandans abroad, urging patriotism, peace, unity and active participation in Uganda’s economic transformation.
“Patriotism must go beyond celebrating our flag and singing our national anthem. It must be reflected in the businesses we establish, the young people we empower, the investments we make and the opportunities we create for fellow Ugandans,” Barugahara told the gathering.
In the President’s message, Museveni described Ugandans living abroad as “an important part of our country’s development,” saying their knowledge, investments and international networks could contribute to industrialisation, job creation and the expansion of Uganda’s productive economy.
“I encourage Ugandans in the diaspora to look beyond remittances and explore opportunities in manufacturing, commercial agriculture, tourism, technology and value addition. Your success abroad should also contribute to Uganda’s transformation,” the President’s message read.
The celebrations, held under the theme “Celebrating Heritage, Strengthening Partnerships, Unlocking Investment Opportunities,” went beyond national festivities to advance economic and commercial diplomacy, cultural preservation, diaspora engagement and investment promotion. The first day focused on business-to-business networking, exploring trade, tourism, agriculture, technology and enterprise development between Uganda and Australasia.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda also attended, stressing that Uganda’s greatest resource is its people. “When Ugandans abroad combine their expertise, capital and international exposure with opportunities at home, they become important partners in national development,” she said.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, said the mission was focused on ensuring the relationship between Uganda and Australasia delivers practical opportunities. “Cultural diplomacy brings us together, but trade, investment and institutional partnerships must help translate those relationships into shared prosperity,” she said.
The Independence Gala celebrated Uganda’s cultural diversity, with Princess Catherine Ssangalyambogo and the Emorimor, Paramount Chief of Teso, emphasising cultural heritage, unity and strong connections to home. “A generation that knows where it comes from can confidently determine where it is going,” the princess told Ugandan parents raising children abroad.
Dr. Michael Muleme, president of the Ugandan community in Victoria, said the success of the celebrations should be measured by “the relationships we build, the businesses we connect, the opportunities we unlock and the lasting contribution our community makes to both Uganda and Australia.”
The Melbourne programme also incorporated consular engagement on passports and national identification, alongside engagements with Australian federal and Victorian government representatives.
Organisers said the central message was clear: Uganda’s diaspora is more than a community preserving its heritage abroad — it is a strategic partner capable of connecting Uganda to international investment, markets and expertise for national development.
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