By The Government has pledged to fast-track the long-awaited Diaspora Policy, with a target to have it launched by December 2025, following a consultative workshop on diaspora skills mapping and assessment convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mohammed Bagonza, Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, said demand for a clear framework guiding diaspora engagement can no longer be ignored.
“From our engagements with the diaspora, people right now need the diaspora policy. This is now our direction,” he said, noting that President Yoweri Museveni is fully aware of the demand and has consistently heard it during interactions with Ugandans abroad.
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The consultative workshop aims to identify skills and capacities of diaspora communities, understand their entrepreneurial and investment aspirations, and explore preferred modes of engagement in development initiatives especially in areas such as climate action.
Mr. Bagonza commended IOM for its partnership and revealed that Government is constituting a policy team to guide consultants and stakeholders in drafting the framework. He cautioned against further delays, emphasising that the last Regulatory Impact Assessment, conducted in 2021, is outdated and no longer reflects current realities.
“With our development partners, colleagues and stakeholders, we need to move very fast in that direction,” he said.
Ambassador Johnny M. Muhindo, Head of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that consultations are being fast-tracked to ensure that the policy is completed in time for a December launch.
“Our major objective is to make sure His Excellency the President launches this policy that we bring to the table,” Amb. Muhindo said. He added that following a meeting with the Cabinet Secretariat, it was agreed that the existing framework needs modification to adequately address Uganda’s diaspora needs.
The workshop also reviewed findings from ongoing skills-mapping exercises carried out in several countries, which are expected to inform priority areas in the new policy, including investment facilitation, skills transfer, and innovation partnerships.
Officials said the policy will create a structured framework for diaspora engagement, aligning their expertise and investments with Uganda’s development agenda while deepening collaboration with international partners.
