The State House Diaspora Unit has deepened its partnership with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) as part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and unlock the full investment potential of Ugandans living abroad.
On Thursday, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, together with the Deputy Head, Henry Wabyona, and the Liaisons and Partnerships Officer, Christopher Matsiko, held a familiarisation engagement with UIA at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo, Kampala.
The team was received by Justine Kasigwa Agaba, the Director of the Investor One-Stop Centre (OSC), who stated the Governmentโs commitment to simplifying investment procedures. She explained that the #OneStopCentre was created โto facilitate investors, diaspora, domestic, and foreign, by bringing all essential government agencies under one roof.โ
The Centre currently hosts over 12 agencies: Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Department of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Kampala Capital City Authority, National Environment Management Agency, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Tourism Board, Capital Markets Authority, National Social Security Fund, Federation of Ugandan Employers, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., Pearl Bank, Agency Banker, and Giants Club
UIA also operates a digital investment licensing system that can be accessed globally, enabling diaspora investors to view opportunities, initiate registrations, and track progress online.
Agaba further emphasised UIAโs partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on economic and commercial diplomacy: โOur missions abroad will be able to capture investor interests directly into our system and follow up those who express intentions to invest,โ she said.
In his remarks, Bagonza reiterated President Yoweri Museveniโs vision for creating the State House Diaspora Unit: to ensure that Ugandans abroad receive coordinated support in investment, services, tourism, and socioeconomic empowerment.
โRemittances now exceed UGX 5 trillion and contribute more than 3% to our GDP, highlighting the immense economic value of our diaspora. Yet diaspora investment remains lower than its potential, not because of a lack of interest, but because of gaps in information and access,โ he noted.
He stressed the importance of the engagement with UIA, saying: โOur people abroad consistently ask about investment policies, opportunities, and how the One Stop Centre works. Todayโs briefing equips us to give them accurate information and rebuild their trust.โ
Bagonza also called for closer collaboration to resolve concerns raised by diaspora members who often cite inadequate support during investment processes.
He highlighted ongoing innovations at the Diaspora Unit, including the Diaspora App, which brings together government services in one place, and the Diaspora Data Management System, currently registering Ugandans abroad to improve planning and service provision.
Speaking on diaspora challenges, UIA Deputy Director for Investment Promotion, Ritah Mugula, noted that most diaspora difficulties are linked to bureaucratic hurdles, documentation, financial systems, and low trust.
โIf we solve their facilitation and regulatory issues, we will gain their confidence and guide them toward productive investment,โ she said.
UIAโs Director for Domestic Investment, Richard Nuwenyesiga, added that the biggest barrier is the lack of reliable information. He explained that UIA has developed a Domestic Investorโs Guide and online systems to help diaspora investors avoid fraud and access free services such as investment licensing.
Following the briefing, the State House was taken on a tour of the One Stop Centre and interacted with different agencies, reinforcing ongoing efforts to streamline diaspora engagement.
Bagonza reaffirmed the Unitโs commitment: โOur goal is to create meaningful linkages so that the diaspora can confidently invest and contribute to a united, prosperous, and modern Uganda.
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