MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has urged Ugandans living in Australia and across the Australasian region to increase their investments in Uganda, promote the country’s international image and contribute their skills, expertise and resources to 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. The three-day event was organised as part of Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”
In her address, Babalanda conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, to the organisers, participants and other stakeholders.
She described the convention as an important platform for strengthening ties among Ugandans and friends of Uganda through business partnerships, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and investment.
“I thank you for keeping Uganda close to your hearts despite the geographical distance. You may live in Australia, but Uganda remains part of your identity, heritage and future,” Babalanda said.
She commended the organisers for bringing together Ugandans and friends of Uganda from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda and beyond, noting that the gathering provided an opportunity to translate shared interests into practical initiatives that support national development.
Babalanda emphasised that the responsibility of building Uganda extends beyond its geographical borders, urging diaspora communities to consider themselves strategic partners in the country’s economic transformation.
She acknowledged their contributions through remittances, professional expertise, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and international networks, which support families, strengthen communities and create opportunities back home.
On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, Babalanda expressed appreciation for these contributions and encouraged Ugandans abroad to go beyond financial support by establishing business partnerships, facilitating technology transfer and connecting Ugandan entrepreneurs to international markets.
“Do not only encourage foreigners to invest in Uganda; invest in Uganda yourselves. You understand our country, its people, culture and opportunities,” she said.
She noted that Ugandans living abroad possess valuable international experience, access to capital and professional networks that could help unlock the country’s economic potential, create jobs and stimulate entrepreneurship.
Diaspora urged to promote Uganda’s global image
Babalanda also called upon Ugandans abroad to serve as credible ambassadors of their country by showcasing its tourism destinations, cultural heritage, investment opportunities and hospitality.
She observed that international perceptions of countries are often shaped by television reports, social media and other news platforms, which may give greater prominence to negative incidents than to positive developments.
Citing the familiar journalism principle that unusual events tend to attract more attention than ordinary occurrences, Babalanda cautioned against allowing isolated incidents to define Uganda’s overall image. However, she stressed that promoting the country should not mean concealing its 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.
Babalanda highlighted Uganda’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, fertile soils, natural resources and entrepreneurial potential, recalling that former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa.”
She encouraged members of the diaspora to provide prospective investors with reliable information, connect them to credible local partners and help identify genuine business opportunities.
Investment opportunities under Uganda’s development agenda
Babalanda said Uganda was entering an important phase of economic transformation, guided by the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.
She highlighted the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand Uganda’s economy to US$500 billion, and identified agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology as key sectors offering opportunities for investment, enterprise and job creation.
The Minister urged Ugandans in the diaspora to establish businesses at home, share their professional expertise, mentor emerging entrepreneurs and develop cross-border partnerships that connect Uganda to global markets.
She also welcomed those considering returning to Uganda to establish businesses, raise families, share their professional knowledge or retire, emphasising that their experience and resources could contribute significantly to the country’s development.
According to Babalanda, diaspora engagement should particularly prioritise young people by connecting them to internships, scholarships, mentorship, technology, entrepreneurship and professional opportunities.
She said such initiatives would help translate the gains of political independence into economic independence through wealth creation, productive employment and improved household livelihoods.
Babalanda added that Uganda’s economic transformation agenda was consistent with the long-standing vision of President Museveni.
Preserving cultural identity and strengthening international partnerships
Beyond investment and economic cooperation, Babalanda underscored the importance of preserving Uganda’s cultural identity among diaspora communities and future generations.
She commended Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region for showcasing their heritage through music, languages, food, traditional values and cultural practices.
The Minister urged parents in the diaspora to encourage their children to understand and appreciate their Ugandan roots while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of the societies in which they live.
She further called for cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen Uganda-Australia relations and foster closer ties with New Zealand, South Africa and other countries represented at the convention.
Babalanda said the convention should provide a foundation for lasting cooperation in business, tourism, innovation, cultural exchange and investment, with diaspora networks playing a central role in connecting Uganda to international opportunities.
In her concluding remarks, she challenged participants to leave the gathering with three key commitments: promoting Uganda positively and truthfully, establishing partnerships that attract investment and knowledge, and making personal contributions to national development.
“Uganda belongs to all of us. Its future is a shared responsibility, and its opportunities should inspire us to work together regardless of where we live,” she said.
She expressed hope that the UG@64 celebrations would renew patriotism, deepen international partnerships and inspire practical action towards building a more prosperous Uganda.
Babalanda concluded by wishing Ugandans a happy 64th Independence Anniversary and reaffirming the importance of strengthening Uganda-Australia relations for mutual benefit.
The convention 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.
The celebrations were attended by 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, among other dignitaries.
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