Beijing,— The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Beijing, in collaboration with the Consulate General in Guangzhou, convened the Uganda Diaspora Day Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, as part of activities commemorating the 64th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Uganda.
The Forum brought together Ugandans residing across the People’s Republic of China, including students, entrepreneurs, businesspersons and professionals. It was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, alongside representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and private-sector stakeholders participating virtually from Kampala.
In her remarks, H.E. Oliver Wonekha, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the People’s Republic of China, underscored the diaspora’s role as an important partner in advancing the Tenfold Growth Strategy and the ATMS transformation agenda Agro-based Industrialisation, Tourism Development, Mineral Development, including Oil and Gas, and Science, Technology and Innovation. Amb. Wonekha encouraged Ugandans in China to maintain regular registration with the Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Guangzhou, seek timely consular guidance and comply with the laws and regulations of the host country. She further noted that Government is considering expanding Uganda’s consular presence to other major Chinese cities.
Mr. Martin Muniera, Interim President of the Ugandan Community in the People’s Republic of China, appreciated the Missions for strengthening engagement with the diaspora. He also raised concern about misinformation surrounding overseas opportunities, which can expose Ugandans to exploitation.
The Forum featured policy and technical briefings covering consular affairs, migration governance, investment, taxation, customs and financial services.
Amb. Evans Aryabaha, Head of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the range of consular services available to Ugandans abroad and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to their protection and welfare, while encouraging regular engagement through official channels.
Dr. Josephine Ekwang, Commissioner for Inspection and Compliance, Ministry of Internal Affairs, presented the National Immigration Policy 2025 and its implementation framework, highlighting reforms aimed at strengthening migration governance and enhancing the contribution of the diaspora to national development.
Ms. Rita Mugula, Assistant Director, Uganda Investment Authority, highlighted investment opportunities and incentives under the ATMS framework, including facilitation measures available to investors in priority sectors.
Mr. Benedict Kaweesi, Customs Department, Uganda Revenue Authority, provided guidance on taxation and customs procedures, including applicable incentives and exemptions for diaspora investors, as well as measures aimed at improving transparency and trade facilitation.
The financial sector perspective was provided by Ms. Lillian Kefeeza Mutebi of Old Mutual, who presented diaspora-oriented financial solutions for wealth creation and long-term financial planning. Mr. Martin Sseguya, Chief Manager, Personal Banking, Centenary Bank, outlined diaspora banking products that can be accessed remotely, emphasising the importance of formal, secure and cost-effective financial channels.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Muheesi, Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing, appreciated the diaspora’s active participation and emphasised the shared responsibility to respect the laws of the host country and project a positive image of Uganda. He encouraged Ugandans in China to remain vigilant, support one another and avoid activities inconsistent with immigration and other applicable regulations. He also urged the diaspora to draw lessons from China’s disciplined and focused approach to transformation.
The engagement provided a structured platform for connecting Uganda’s diaspora capabilities in China with domestic investment opportunities, technology sourcing, skills transfer and enterprise development under the ATMS framework. Follow-up engagement will continue through the Embassy in Beijing, the Consulate General in Guangzhou and designated focal points within participating MDAs and private-sector institutions.
The outcomes of the Forum will contribute to continued programming aimed at mobilising diaspora expertise, capital, networks and innovation in support of the Tenfold Growth Strategy and Uganda’s long-term economic transformation ambitions.
