Equity Bank Uganda has called on Ugandans living and working in Kenya to move beyond sending remittances home and instead invest in structured assets that build lasting wealth, the bank said during a Diaspora Investment Forum it hosted in partnership with the Uganda Network (UGNET) in Nairobi. The engagement brought together Ugandan professionals, entrepreneurs and investors based in Kenya to explore investment opportunities in Uganda and financial solutions tailored to their needs.
UGNET Chairperson Dr Phionah Atuhebwe said the diaspora should be recognised as far more than a source of remittances, describing the community as an important pool of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation and international networks. "The diaspora is far more than just remittances; we are a powerhouse of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation and global networks building wealth across borders. Moving beyond simply sending money home to deliberately building sustainable assets is how we create long-term prosperity," Atuhebwe said.
Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the bank's diaspora proposition was designed to support customers throughout their investment journey rather than limit its role to facilitating money transfers. "True diaspora banking goes beyond simple transactions; it is about building a solid financial partnership that supports your long-term goals and secures your future back home. Instead of only sending money home, let us focus on meaningful investments that build lasting assets," Serumaga said. Equity Group Managing Director, Asset Management, Richard Byarugaba urged participants to adopt disciplined wealth creation practices, including consistent saving, investment diversification and aligning investment decisions with long-term financial goals. He also emphasised the importance of working with regulated financial institutions to protect investments and make informed financial decisions.
During the forum, Equity Bank Uganda showcased financial solutions tailored to Ugandans abroad, including diaspora savings and current accounts, investment and construction financing, insurance products, investment club accounts and foreign exchange services. The bank also highlighted its inter-country banking capabilities, which allow customers to access funds, make transfers and conduct banking transactions across the markets where Equity operates. Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments, said these solutions could support Ugandans seeking to acquire land, complete residential construction, invest in rental property, grow agribusinesses or expand existing business ventures.
Uganda's High Commissioner to Kenya, Eunice Kigenyi, said the government remained committed to supporting Ugandans abroad in protecting their investments and establishing secure channels for investing back home. "Our role is to ensure that as you build your future here, you also build your home. We provide the legal and secure pathways to ensure that your hard-earned investments are protected, authenticated, and anchored in trust," Kigenyi said. Kenya's Ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, commended Equity Bank for connecting the Ugandan and Kenyan business communities and said similar engagements strengthen regional integration by connecting people, businesses and investment opportunities across national borders.