Diaspora Office Unveils Conference and Unity Marathon to Foster Shared Prosperity

What the report says

The Office of the President’s Diaspora Affairs unit has announced two linked initiatives in Kampala: a high-level conference and a diaspora unity marathon intended to encourage cooperation between Ugandans abroad, returnees and forced migrants. The plans were outlined by Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, at a press briefing on Tuesday, 8 September, at the Uganda Media Centre, according to Watchdog Uganda.

The conference, titled “Bridging Worlds: Diaspora & Forced Migrants for Shared Prosperity,” is set for 16 September at the Twin Towers Conference Hall at the Office of the President headquarters. The marathon is scheduled for 20 September at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Organizers said marathon kits are available at Kingdom Kampala and the International University of East Africa.

Walusimbi said the initiatives are meant to strengthen national ties and create practical partnerships, while giving space to lived experience and the concerns of different communities. Samuel Titwe, representing the Diaspora Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described Uganda’s diaspora as an important national asset and said engagement with communities abroad supports diplomacy and economic outreach. Rose Kabagenyi, a senior presidential advisor on agriculture, urged broad participation and pointed to opportunities in the sector for diaspora members and returnees.

The Refugee Law Project’s Dr. Pius Ojara also welcomed the focus on human experience in policy discussions. The organizers invited diaspora groups, forced migrant communities, the private sector, civil society and the public to take part, framing the events as part of a wider effort to connect communities and support shared development.