Lilongwe, Malawi – The High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Dar es Salaam convened the inaugural Uganda Diaspora Convention at the Sunbird Hotel, Lilongwe, bringing together over 150 Ugandan business leaders, students, and members of the diaspora to enhance trade, investment, and consular cooperation between Uganda and the Republic of Malawi.
Delivering the opening remarks, Amb. Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye observed that economic ties between Uganda and Malawi had grown significantly, citing the role of the diaspora in this achievement. He said the commencement of direct flights between Entebbe and Lilongwe by Malawi Airlines has reduced transaction costs and expanded opportunities for Ugandan enterprises operating in Malawi. He called upon the Ugandan community to foster unity and deepen collaboration with Malawian counterparts in pursuit of shared economic objectives.
Rev. Fr. David Niwagaba, Chairman of the Uganda Community in Malawi (UGACOM), expressed appreciation to the High Commission for facilitating the delivery of consular services to Ugandans in Malawi. He proposed the establishment of a Consulate of the Republic of Uganda in Lilongwe to address the growing consular needs of the community. Concurrently, the High Commission conducted a three-day on-site exercise for National Identification enrolment, renewal, and other consular services. Approximately 300 Ugandans are estimated to be living and working in Malawi. The Convention sought to align policy frameworks with operational practice and to institute an annual mechanism for monitoring progress and consolidating bilateral relations.
Bilateral trade between Uganda and Malawi remains modest but presents opportunities for expansion. According to UN COMTRADE data, Uganda’s imports from Malawi amounted to USD 5.69 million in 2023, comprising primarily iron and steel, tobacco, machinery, and electrical equipment. Uganda’s exports to Malawi during the same period totalled USD 2.87 million, with key exports including dairy products, pharmaceuticals, cereal preparations, vehicles, and cosmetics. Amb. Mwesigye noted that improvements in transport infrastructure, electricity supply, and manufacturing have strengthened the competitiveness of Ugandan goods within the East African Community and COMESA markets. He encouraged the diaspora to leverage these developments to advance bilateral trade.
Ms. Barbra Nakazzi and Ms. Sheila Rukundo, Immigration Officers from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), presented on consular outreach and diaspora services. They underscored the tripartite collaboration among DCIC, Ugandan Missions abroad, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in ensuring safe mobility and legal residency. Participants acknowledged the Directorate’s efficiency in processing passports, Emergency Travel Documents, and dual citizenship certifications.
Ms. Hope Waira of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) outlined opportunities in education, agro-processing, hospitality, ICT, and real estate. She emphasised that targeted fiscal incentives and the Authority’s one-stop service centre facilitate company registration and expedite operational commencement for diaspora investors. Mr. Robert Tugume of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an overview of consular services available to Ugandan nationals abroad. He noted that a significant proportion of consular processes are now accessible online, reducing the necessity for physical attendance at the Ministry or Missions. He further commended inter-agency cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, NIRA, the State House Diaspora Unit, and URSB in expanding service delivery.
In his concluding remarks, Amb. Mwesigye encouraged members of the diaspora to establish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations to access government support for innovative ventures in coordination with relevant government agencies. He reaffirmed the diaspora’s role as a pillar of Uganda’s economic diplomacy, citing remittance inflows estimated at USD 2.5 billion in 2025 as indicative of their contribution to national development. The Convention concluded with a networking reception featuring Ugandan cuisine, music, and cultural performances, and has established a foundation for sustained and structured engagement between the Ugandan diaspora and government institutions.
Photo Credit: Uganda High Commission, Dar es Salaam
