Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Eligible returnees tipped on PDM, Emyooga for financial assistance

What the report says

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is finalizing a draft policy intended to better organize Uganda’s engagement with its diaspora, protect citizens living abroad, and channel their skills and investment into national development. According to Watchdog Uganda, the discussion took place during a validation workshop at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, where government officials, development partners, civil society actors and diaspora representatives reviewed the proposed framework before it goes to Cabinet.

Ambassador Johnny Muhindo, who heads the ministry’s Diaspora Department, said the policy has been in development for about two years and was shaped by consultations with Ugandans abroad, including virtual town halls. The draft seeks to move beyond viewing diaspora remittances only as money transfers and instead treat overseas Ugandans as partners in business and development. It highlights sectors such as education, technology, tourism, real estate and commercial agriculture, and includes ideas for investment links, technology transfer and partnerships with local institutions.

The workshop also focused on welfare and migration protections. Participants discussed the risks faced by Ugandans working abroad, including contract disputes, poor working conditions and limited legal support. The draft policy proposes pre-departure orientation, stronger coordination with diplomatic missions and other agencies, and support for emergency cases such as illness, distress or repatriation. It also raises issues such as dual citizenship, documentation for children born abroad and access to consular services.

A separate part of the discussion covered financial services and organized diaspora structures. The report says some participants backed ideas such as a Uganda Diaspora Council, a diaspora investment fund and accreditation rules for diaspora groups. In a related practical note, the story says eligible returnees were advised to consider local government programs such as PDM and Emyooga for financial support, underscoring the policy’s broader aim of linking Ugandans abroad and those coming home to structured economic opportunities.