The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has called upon Ugandans living in Australia and across the Australasian region to increase their investments in Uganda, promote the country’s image internationally and contribute their skills, expertise and resources towards national development.
Minister Babalanda made the call yesterday Saturday, October 17, 2026, while addressing the UG@64 Australasian Independence Gala, Business and Cultural Convention in Melbourne, Australia, held as part of Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”
In her address, she conveyed greetings from H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. (Rtd.) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, to the organisers, participants and all stakeholders.
She described the three-day convention as an important platform for strengthening connections among Ugandans and friends of Uganda through business partnerships, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and investment.
“I thank you for keeping Uganda close to your hearts despite the geographical distance. You may live in Australia, but Uganda remains part of your identity, heritage and future,” Babalanda said.
She commended the organisers for bringing together Ugandans and friends of Uganda from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda and beyond, noting that the gathering offered an opportunity to translate shared interests into practical initiatives for the country’s development.
The Minister emphasised that the responsibility of building Uganda extends beyond its geographical borders, urging Ugandans in the diaspora to view themselves as strategic partners in the country’s economic transformation.
She recognised their contributions through remittances, professional expertise, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and international networks, which continue to support families, strengthen communities and create opportunities back home.
Babalanda expressed appreciation for the diaspora’s contribution and challenged them to go beyond financial support by establishing stronger business partnerships, facilitating technology transfer and connecting Ugandan entrepreneurs to international markets.
“Do not only encourage foreigners to invest in Uganda; invest in Uganda yourselves. You understand our country, its people, culture and opportunities,” she urged.
She noted that Ugandans living abroad possess valuable international experience, access to capital and professional networks that could help unlock the country’s economic potential, create employment and stimulate entrepreneurship.
Babalanda also called upon Ugandans abroad to become credible ambassadors of their country by promoting its tourism destinations, cultural heritage, investment opportunities and hospitality.
She observed that international perceptions of countries are often shaped by television reports, social media and other news platforms, which may give greater prominence to negative incidents than to positive developments.
Citing the familiar journalism principle that unusual events attract more attention than ordinary occurrences, the Minister cautioned against allowing isolated incidents to define Uganda’s overall image. She, however, emphasised that promoting the country should not mean concealing its challenges or discouraging constructive criticism.
“Patriotism does not mean hiding our weaknesses. It means acknowledging challenges, contributing to solutions and ensuring that our country's strengths and potential are not overlooked,” she said.
Minister Babalanda highlighted Uganda’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, fertile soils, natural resources and entrepreneurial potential, recalling that former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa.”
She encouraged diaspora members to provide prospective investors with reliable information, connect them to credible local partners and help them identify genuine business opportunities.
The Minister said Uganda is entering an important phase of economic transformation, with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040 providing strategic direction for the country’s development ambitions. She highlighted the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand Uganda’s economy towards US$500 billion, and identified agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology as key sectors offering opportunities for investment, enterprise and job creation.
Babalanda urged Ugandans in the diaspora to consider establishing businesses at home, sharing their expertise, mentoring entrepreneurs and developing cross-border partnerships that connect Uganda to global markets.
She also welcomed those considering returning to Uganda to establish businesses, raise families, share their professional knowledge or retire, saying the country needed their contribution to accelerate development.
According to the Minister, diaspora engagement should particularly prioritise young people by connecting them to internships, scholarships, mentorship, technology, entrepreneurship and professional opportunities. She said such initiatives would help translate the gains of political independence into economic independence through wealth creation, productive employment and improved household livelihoods.
Minister Babalanda added that the country’s economic transformation agenda was consistent with the longstanding vision of H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Beyond investment and economic cooperation, Hon. Babalanda underscored the importance of preserving Uganda’s cultural identity among diaspora communities and future generations. She commended Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region for showcasing their heritage through music, languages, food, traditional values and cultural practices.
The Minister urged parents in the diaspora to encourage their children to understand and appreciate their Ugandan roots while embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of the societies in which they live.
She further called for cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen Uganda–Australia relations and build closer ties with New Zealand, South Africa and other countries represented at the convention.
Babalanda said the convention should serve as a foundation for lasting cooperation in business, tourism, innovation, cultural exchange and investment, with diaspora networks playing a central role in connecting Uganda to international opportunities.
In her concluding remarks, she challenged participants to leave the gathering with three commitments: to promote Uganda positively and truthfully, establish partnerships that attract investment and knowledge, and make personal contributions to the country’s development.
“Uganda belongs to all of us. Its future is a shared responsibility, and its opportunities should inspire us to work together regardless of where we live,” she said.
Minister Babalanda expressed hope that the UG@64 celebrations would renew patriotism, deepen international partnerships and inspire practical action towards a more prosperous Uganda.
She concluded by wishing Ugandans a happy 64th Independence Anniversary and reaffirming the importance of strengthening Uganda–Australia friendship for mutual benefit.
The occasion also featured the UPAVA Awards, which recognised the achievements and contributions of Ugandans in Australia and the wider Australasian region in areas including leadership, enterprise, community service and cultural preservation.
The celebrations were graced by the minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, His Highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the traditional leader of Teso, accompanied by Her Majesty Juliet Among Emolot; Princess Katrina Sarah Ssangalyambogo, who delivered a message on behalf of the Nnabagereka of Buganda; and Her Excellency Dorothy Samali Hyuha, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia among others. The event also attracted the Mayor of Yarra, representatives of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
