Minister Babalanda urges Basoga diaspora to preserve identity, unite and invest in Uganda

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has urged Basoga living in the diaspora to preserve their cultural identity, remain united and use the skills, experience and resources acquired abroad to contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Hon. Babalanda made the call while addressing Basoga living in the United Arab Emirates during celebrations to mark the 12th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, in Dubai on Saturday.

The colourful celebration, held at the Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach Hotel, was attended by the Kyabazinga, Government dignitaries, Basoga living in the UAE and the wider Gulf region, as well as members of the Basoga diaspora community.

The gathering provided an opportunity for the Basoga community abroad to celebrate the Kyabazinga’s 12th Coronation Anniversary while reaffirming their cultural and social bonds with Busoga and Uganda.

Hon. Babalanda conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Haji Yunus Kakande and the entire Presidency.

She said Government appreciates the contribution of Ugandans living abroad and values their continued engagement in the country’s development.

The Minister urged Basoga in the diaspora to safeguard their language, history, traditions and values, saying geographical distance should not weaken their connection to their cultural roots.

She also called for greater unity among Basoga from across the Kingdom, encouraging them to support one another, build strong networks and work collectively for the development of Busoga and Uganda.

“Your being away from home should not mean being disconnected from who you are. Preserve your language, culture, history and values, and ensure that the opportunities you find abroad also benefit your families and communities back home,” she urged.

Hon. Babalanda further encouraged Ugandans working and living in the Gulf to use their time abroad to acquire skills, knowledge, professional experience and networks that can later contribute to development at home.

She urged the diaspora to save and invest responsibly, particularly in productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology and real estate.

According to Hon. Babalanda, the knowledge, capital and professional networks acquired abroad can create opportunities for families and communities while contributing to Uganda’s broader economic transformation.

She reminded the diaspora that Uganda needs their skills, ideas, capital and experience and encouraged them to prepare to participate actively in development initiatives back home.

The Minister also urged Basoga abroad to remain good ambassadors of Uganda and Busoga by upholding discipline, honesty, hard work, respect and other positive values.

She cautioned against allowing exposure to life abroad to weaken people’s connection to their identity and responsibilities, stressing that international exposure should broaden opportunities and perspectives while strengthening commitment to family, community and country.

Hon. Babalanda concluded by reaffirming Government’s commitment to working with cultural institutions, communities and Ugandans in the diaspora to promote unity, preserve Uganda’s cultural heritage and advance socio-economic transformation.

She encouraged the Basoga diaspora to remain active partners in Uganda’s development by leveraging their skills, experience, networks and resources to create opportunities and support development initiatives at home.

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