By Eye Media Ug | MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA | October 17, 2026
Minister for Presidency, Hon Milly Babirye Babalanda has called on Ugandans living abroad to invest more in their home country, promote Uganda’s international image and contribute their skills and expertise towards accelerating national development.
Babalanda made the call on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while addressing the UG@64 Australasian Independence Gala, Business and Cultural Convention in Melbourne, Australia, held as part of activities to mark Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
She urged Ugandans in the diaspora to move beyond sending remittances to families and embrace direct investment, business partnerships, technology transfer and initiatives that create employment opportunities back home.
“Do not only encourage foreigners to invest in Uganda; invest in Uganda yourselves. You understand our country, its people, culture and opportunities,” Babalanda said.
She noted that Ugandans living abroad possess valuable professional experience, access to international markets, capital and networks that could play a critical role in Uganda’s economic transformation.
The Minister commended diaspora communities for their contributions through remittances, entrepreneurship, knowledge sharing and professional expertise, saying these efforts support households, strengthen communities and contribute to national development.
Diaspora urged to defend Uganda’s image
Babalanda also challenged Ugandans abroad to become credible ambassadors of their country by promoting its tourism attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality and investment opportunities.
She observed that international perceptions of countries are often shaped by media coverage and social media, where negative incidents may attract more attention than positive developments.
However, she cautioned that promoting Uganda’s image should not be confused with concealing challenges or discouraging constructive criticism.
“Patriotism does not mean hiding our weaknesses. It means acknowledging challenges, contributing to solutions and ensuring that our country’s strengths and potential are not overlooked,” she said.
She highlighted Uganda’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, fertile soils, natural resources and entrepreneurial potential, encouraging diaspora members to provide prospective investors with reliable information and connect them to credible local business partners.
Agriculture, tourism and minerals among investment opportunities
The Minister identified agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology as key sectors offering opportunities for investment, enterprise and job creation.
She said Uganda’s development ambitions, guided by the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Vision 2040 and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, require stronger partnerships between government, the private sector and Ugandans living abroad.
The Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to expand Uganda’s economy towards US$500 billion, with investment and productivity expected to play a significant role in achieving the ambition.
Babalanda further encouraged Ugandans considering returning home to establish businesses, share their professional knowledge, raise families or retire in Uganda, noting that their experience and resources could contribute to the country’s progress.
She particularly called for diaspora initiatives targeting young people through mentorship, internships, scholarships, technology transfer and entrepreneurship programmes.
According to the Minister, such interventions would help translate the achievements of political independence into economic independence through wealth creation, productive employment and improved household incomes.
Calls for preservation of Ugandan culture
Beyond economic development, Babalanda underscored the importance of preserving Uganda’s cultural identity among diaspora communities, particularly for children growing up outside the country.
She commended Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region for promoting their heritage through music, languages, food, traditional values and cultural practices.
She urged parents to help their children appreciate their Ugandan roots while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of the societies in which they live.
The Minister also called for stronger cultural exchange and cooperation between Uganda and Australia, as well as other countries represented at the convention, including New Zealand and South Africa.
She expressed hope that the gathering would lay the foundation for lasting partnerships in trade, tourism, innovation, investment and cultural exchange.
Dignitaries attend UG@64 celebrations
In her concluding remarks, Babalanda challenged participants to commit to promoting Uganda positively and truthfully, building partnerships that attract investment and knowledge, and making personal contributions to national development.
She conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, before wishing Ugandans a happy 64th Independence Anniversary.
The three-day convention was held under the theme, “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.” It also featured the UPAVA Awards, which recognised the achievements and contributions of Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region in leadership, enterprise, community service and cultural preservation.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara; His Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the traditional leader of Teso, accompanied by Her Majesty Juliet Among Emolot; Princess Katrina Sarah Ssangalyambogo, who delivered a message on behalf of the Nnabagereka of Buganda; Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, Her Excellency Dorothy Samali Hyuha; the Mayor of Yarra; and representatives of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
