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

What the report says

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda has called on Basoga living in the diaspora to protect their cultural identity, stay united and channel the skills, experience and resources they gain abroad into Uganda’s development. Watchdog Uganda reported that she made the remarks in Dubai while speaking to Basoga in the United Arab Emirates during celebrations for the 12th coronation anniversary of Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.

The event took place at the Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach Hotel and brought together the Kyabazinga, government officials, Basoga from the UAE and other parts of the Gulf, and members of the wider diaspora community. According to the report, the gathering was both a celebration of the monarch’s anniversary and an opportunity for the community to renew ties with Busoga and Uganda.

Babalanda relayed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni and senior presidential officials, and said government values Ugandans abroad for their role in national development. She encouraged the diaspora to preserve language, history, traditions and values, while also building networks, saving and investing responsibly, especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology and real estate.

She also urged Basoga abroad to remain good ambassadors for Uganda and said government wants to work with cultural institutions and diaspora communities to support unity, cultural preservation and socio-economic transformation. The broader significance of the message is that it links cultural identity with investment and participation in development at home.