Uganda's 64th Independence celebrations in Melbourne brought together more than 1,000 Ugandans from across Australasia alongside government representatives, traditional leaders, business executives and investors for a three-day programme aimed at strengthening economic ties between Uganda and Australia. Held from October 16 to 18, 2026, under the theme "Celebrating Heritage, Strengthening Partnerships, Unlocking Investment Opportunities", the celebrations highlighted the role of the Ugandan diaspora in promoting trade, tourism, investment and cultural preservation. The event was organised through the Uganda High Commission in Canberra and the Ugandan community in Victoria, combining cultural festivities with business-to-business networking and discussions on opportunities in agriculture, technology, tourism and enterprise development.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, representing President Museveni, conveyed the President's greetings and appreciation to Ugandans living abroad. He urged them to remain connected to their homeland and contribute to its socioeconomic transformation. "The diaspora is not simply a community living outside Uganda. It is a powerful network of professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who can connect our country to global markets, skills and opportunities," Barugahara said. He called on Ugandans abroad to demonstrate patriotism through investments, business development and initiatives that create employment and empower young people, saying that "patriotism 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."
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda emphasised the importance of leveraging the expertise, capital and international exposure of Ugandans abroad to support development at home. "Uganda's greatest resource is its people, wherever they live. 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 celebrations provided an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations and establish practical partnerships between Ugandan enterprises, diaspora investors and Australian businesses, calling for a shift from ceremonial engagements towards partnerships capable of generating investment, expanding markets and creating jobs.
Tourism, commercial agriculture, technology and enterprise development emerged as key areas for potential cooperation, with the diaspora viewed as an important link between Uganda's investment opportunities and international markets. Traditional leaders at the gathering emphasised cultural preservation, with Princess Catherine Ssangalyambogo urging Ugandans in the diaspora to maintain their cultural roots while embracing opportunities in their countries of residence. She also urged Ugandan parents living abroad to teach their children their languages, history and traditions. The Emorimor, Paramount Chief of Teso, highlighted the role of traditional institutions in promoting unity, education and development, encouraging Ugandans abroad to support their communities through mentorship, investment and initiatives that create opportunities for younger generations.
Dr Michael Muleme, president of the Ugandan community in Victoria, said the celebrations demonstrated the community's enduring connection to Uganda despite geographical distance. He called for networks that extend beyond social gatherings by connecting professionals, entrepreneurs, students and families while strengthening commercial relationships with Uganda. The programme also incorporated consular engagement, including discussions on passports and national identification, giving Ugandans an opportunity to engage with representatives of their country's mission on services affecting citizens abroad.
The Melbourne celebrations highlighted the potential for Ugandans abroad to contribute to national development through entrepreneurship, skills transfer, tourism promotion and cross-border business partnerships. The central message was that through strategic partnerships and investment, Ugandans living overseas can help connect their country to international expertise, markets and opportunities for sustainable economic growth.