The Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs has announced a high-level Diaspora Conference and a Diaspora Unity Marathon aimed at strengthening ties between diaspora communities and forced migrants.
The announcement was made by Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, during a press briefing held on Tuesday, 8th September at the Uganda Media Centre.
According to Ambassador Walusimbi, the conference, titled “Bridging Worlds: Diaspora & Forced Migrants for Shared Prosperity,” is scheduled for 16th September at the Twin Towers Conference Hall, Office of the President Headquarters. The Diaspora Unity Marathon will follow on 20th September at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, starting at 6:30 a.m.
Ambassador Walusimbi, whose office is hosting both initiatives, said the efforts are rooted in a simple conviction.
“When we intentionally connect people, those in the diaspora, those who have moved within our borders, and those who have been forcibly displaced, we unlock shared prosperity and strengthen our national fabric,” he said.
He emphasized that the conference will prioritise lived experiences and practical partnerships while fully respecting the mandates of other government institutions.
Representing the Diaspora Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Titwe said Uganda’s diaspora remains a strategic asset that extends the country’s presence abroad.
“Effective diaspora engagement is not only a domestic priority; it is also an instrument of foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and soft power,” Titwe said, adding that the Ministry will continue to support outreach through its missions abroad and encourage constructive participation by communities abroad.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Hon. Rose Kabagenyi, who also addressed the press, welcomed the initiatives and stressed the need for inclusive participation.
“These platforms give us a chance to listen to one another and find practical ways of moving forward together,” she said. “No community should feel left out of the conversation about national progress. Both the active diaspora and returnees should know that there is a lot of opportunity in the agricultural sector which they should take advantage of and contribute to the economies of their motherland.”
Dr. Pius Ojara, Director of the Refugee Law Project, highlighted the human dimension of the planned activities.
“Behind every policy discussion are real people seeking dignity and opportunity,” Dr. Ojara said. “The conference and the marathon remind us that development must remain centered on human experience.”
The organizers called upon diaspora communities, forced migrant groups, the private sector, civil society and the general public to support and participate in both events.
They also informed the public that marathon kits are available at Kingdom Kampala and at the International University of East Africa.
Ambassador Walusimbi expressed appreciation for partners and refugee community leaders who have already engaged with the process, describing their contribution as vital to ensuring the initiatives remain grounded and relevant.
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