Uganda has urged its citizens in Ethiopia to back the country's development through investment, trade, skills transfer and partnerships. The appeal came during a two-day diaspora engagement forum held at the Hilton Addis Ababa, organised to connect Ugandans abroad with government and private sector opportunities. The event brought together professionals, students, businesspeople, researchers and families to explore how their expertise and resources could support Uganda's priorities.
Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda's Ambassador to Ethiopia, told attendees that development was a shared responsibility and encouraged Ugandans to maintain ties with home while contributing positively to their host communities. She said Ugandans could use their presence in Ethiopia to deepen bilateral relations and promote shared prosperity. Officials from Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the importance of people-to-people relations, pointing to Ethiopia's growing community in Kampala.
Johnnie Muhindo, head of the Diaspora Services Department at Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the forum showed how diaspora could drive economic growth. He noted that diaspora mobilisation was part of Uganda's economic and commercial diplomacy strategy. The government is in the final stages of drafting a National Diaspora Policy following consultations with Ugandan communities worldwide, which will provide a framework for strengthening engagement with citizens abroad.
The forum also featured updates from government officials and business leaders on investment and collaboration opportunities. Ugandans who had registered for national identity cards in May 2026 received their cards during the event. Representatives from the National Social Security Fund and the National Identification Registration Authority attended to share information on services available to Ugandans living abroad.