Bujumbura, Burundi – The Uganda Embassy Bujumbura successfully hosted the Uganda Diaspora Convention, bringing together Ugandans living in Burundi, government officials, technical agencies, investors, and regional stakeholders to strengthen diaspora engagement and promote participation in Uganda’s national development agenda. The convention provided a platform for dialogue on diaspora participation, consular services, legal identity, migration compliance, and investment opportunities, reaffirming the Government of Uganda’s commitment to empowering its citizens abroad as strategic partners in socio-economic transformation.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador (Rtd) Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza welcomed members of the Ugandan community in Burundi and underscored the importance of a united diaspora in advancing national development, strengthening family livelihoods, and fostering closer Uganda–Burundi relations. He noted that an organized and engaged diaspora remains a critical partner in supporting Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, contributing through investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, innovation, and stronger economic linkages.
The Amb. Kyaligonza further emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to delivering essential consular services, including passport processing, national identification, civil registration, and immigration support, enabling Ugandans abroad to remain compliant with legal requirements while accessing opportunities both at home and abroad. He expressed appreciation to the Governments of Uganda and Burundi, the Uganda Diaspora Association in Burundi, and all stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the success of the convention.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ramadhan Kamuntu from the Diaspora Services Department reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of the Ugandan diaspora as an important stakeholder in the country’s socio-economic transformation. He encouraged Ugandans living abroad to continue contributing to national development through investment, knowledge and technology transfer, innovation, commercial diplomacy, and organized diaspora initiatives.
The convention highlighted the broad mandate of the Ministry’s Consular Services Department in protecting and supporting Ugandan citizens abroad. Participants received information on passport and travel documentation, emergency assistance, repatriation services, labour migration management, anti-human trafficking measures, and legal documentation. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) also sensitized participants on the importance of legal identity through birth, marriage and death registration, National Identification Numbers (NINs), and National Identity Cards. These services were highlighted as essential for accessing education, banking, employment, inheritance, passport acquisition, property ownership, and business registration.
Officials from Burundi’s General Commissioner for Migration briefed participants on visa categories, residence permits, border management procedures, foreigner registration, and legal compliance requirements for Ugandans residing in Burundi. The convention also showcased Uganda’s favourable investment climate, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, ICT, mining value addition, and other priority sectors. Participants were informed about Government incentives, including tax concessions, duty exemptions, streamlined business registration, and access to industrial parks. Uganda’s strategic position within the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was presented as a competitive advantage for regional and international investors.
The Embassy encouraged Ugandans in Burundi to maintain close engagement with the Mission, keep their documentation up to date, explore responsible investment opportunities, and continue contributing their expertise, networks, and resources towards Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. The convention reaffirmed that an empowered and connected diaspora remains an indispensable partner in advancing Uganda’s development aspirations and strengthening regional cooperation.
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