Minister Babalanda made the call on September 26, 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the 12th Coronation Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga. The event brought together government dignitaries, Basoga living in the UAE and the Gulf region, and members of the broader Basoga diaspora community.
In her address, Minister Babalanda conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, among others. She emphasized the importance of maintaining strong cultural ties among Basoga living abroad, urging them to preserve their language, history, traditions, and values.
Minister Babalanda encouraged the Basoga diaspora to harness their skills, professional experience, networks, and resources acquired abroad to support development in Busoga and Uganda. She identified agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and real estate as productive sectors for investment.
The Minister called for greater unity among Basoga from all parts of the Kingdom, encouraging members of the diaspora to support one another and build networks that can facilitate investment, knowledge exchange, and skills development. She also urged Ugandans living abroad to use their time productively by acquiring professional skills and building valuable networks.
Minister Babalanda cautioned that exposure to life abroad should not result in the erosion of cultural identity or a weakening of responsibility towards families and communities. Instead, she encouraged the diaspora to use their international exposure to broaden their perspectives while maintaining strong connections with their roots.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working with cultural institutions, communities, and Ugandans in the diaspora to promote unity, preserve Uganda's cultural heritage, and support socio-economic transformation. She encouraged the Basoga diaspora to remain connected to their homeland and play an active role in development.
The Dubai engagement provided a platform to commemorate the Kyabazinga's 12th Coronation Anniversary and highlight the potential of the Basoga diaspora as a link between Uganda and the global community through cultural preservation, skills exchange, investment, and development partnerships.
Key points
- Minister Babalanda urges Basoga diaspora to invest in Uganda's development.
- The Minister emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong cultural ties among Basoga living abroad.
- The Government is committed to working with cultural institutions and Ugandans in the diaspora to promote unity and socio-economic transformation.
