By HER staff reporter
The Ugandan government has issued a compelling call to its diaspora community in South Korea, urging them to channel their capital, advanced skills, and technological expertise back home as Kampala steps up efforts to deepen economic and trade ties with the Asian economic powerhouse.
The appeal was delivered during a diaspora outreach event in Seoul hosted by Uganda’s embassy in Tokyo, which holds concurrent accreditation for South Korea. The gathering served as a precursor to the high-level Uganda-Korea Trade and Investment Meeting, scheduled to run from September 6 to 10. Organized in strategic partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the upcoming meeting brings together senior government officials, corporate leaders, and industry stakeholders to explore lucrative avenues for bilateral commerce and investment.
Addressing the diaspora, Uganda’s Ambassador to South Korea, Tophace Kaahwa—resident in Tokyo—hailed Ugandans living abroad as vital “grassroots ambassadors.” She challenged them to actively support the nation’s economic and commercial diplomacy initiatives through direct investment, technology transfer, tourism promotion, and skills development.
“The remittances, knowledge, and expertise you provide are absolute cornerstones of Uganda’s ongoing economic growth,” Ambassador Kaahwa told the gathering. She spotlighted key sectors primed for diaspora investment, including mineral development, modern science and technology, agribusiness, and tourism. In addition to financial contributions, Kaahwa encouraged community members to register for national identification cards, reassuring them that the embassy remains fully committed to delivering reliable consular services despite its physical base in Tokyo.
A central economic vision for the country was outlined by the Second Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ugandan delegation, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga. Conveying greetings from President Yoweri Museveni, Dr. Kiyonga revealed that Uganda’s current GDP is valued at approximately $70 billion, with an ambitious government target to scale the economy up to $500 billion by the year 2040.
Dr. Kiyonga pointed to massive government expenditures on critical road infrastructure designed to facilitate seamless movement and commercial activity across the country. He also noted that the national railway network is actively being extended from Nairobi to Kampala to lower transportation costs and boost regional trade competitiveness. Furthermore, the minister underscored Uganda’s peace, security, and institutional stability as fundamental pillars that should inspire confidence among foreign and diaspora investors.
Amplifying the government’s outreach strategy, Ambassador Muhindo announced that the administration is currently drafting a comprehensive diaspora policy. Designed to streamline coordination, communication, and accessibility of state services, the policy follows extensive consultations held across North America and Europe, which are now expanding into Asia and other global regions.
Ambassador Muhindo invited Ugandans in South Korea to participate in the upcoming Uganda Diaspora Convention, scheduled for December 18 to 22, 2026. First launched in 2024, the convention has played an instrumental role in encouraging expatriates to return home, mentor local talent, and contribute directly to national development initiatives.
Adding his perspective, Ambassador Henry Mayega—representing Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—stressed that expatriates are indispensable partners in Uganda’s aggressive industrialization drive. He emphasized that the diaspora can drive the nation’s priority sectors, which include agro-industrialization, mineral beneficiation, modern tourism, and technology innovation.
The strategic engagement also drew warm praise from local hosts and community leaders. Dr. Kim Jin Bo, the Honorary Consul of Uganda in Busan, lauded the flourishing diplomatic friendship between Uganda and South Korea, urging expatriates to leverage the professional skills acquired abroad to accelerate development at home.
Hamza Kyamanywa, President of the Ugandans in South Korea Association, reported that the diaspora population stands at 654 individuals, comprising 407 men and 247 women. He noted that the community—largely consisting of students, corporate employees, and entrepreneurs—remains deeply anchored to their homeland.
During an open interactive session, participants engaged the delegation on pressing community issues, touching on professional advancement, welfare concerns for Ugandans married to Korean nationals, and ways to strengthen the diaspora’s collective footprint in national development.
