Minister Babalanda made the call on September 26, 2026, while addressing members of the Basoga community in the United Arab Emirates during engagements held in Dubai. The event was part of activities marking the 12th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga. The celebration brought together Government of Uganda dignitaries, Basoga living in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region, as well as members of the broader Basoga diaspora community.
In her address, Minister Babalanda conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, and other officials. She emphasised 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 diaspora to ensure that geographical distance does not weaken their connection to Busoga and Uganda.
Minister Babalanda urged the Basoga diaspora to harness their skills, professional experience, networks and resources acquired abroad to support development in Busoga and Uganda. She encouraged them to use their time abroad productively by acquiring professional skills, expanding their knowledge and building valuable networks, while saving and investing responsibly. The Minister identified agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology and real estate among the productive sectors in which members of the diaspora could consider investing their resources and expertise.
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 capable of facilitating investment, knowledge exchange, skills development and other initiatives beneficial to communities in Busoga and Uganda. She noted that the knowledge, professional experience, capital and international networks acquired abroad can contribute to household incomes, community development and the wider national economy when channelled into productive activities.
Minister Babalanda further encouraged members of the diaspora to explore opportunities for partnerships, investment and knowledge transfer that can benefit communities at home. She reminded the Basoga diaspora that they also have an important role to play as ambassadors of Uganda and Busoga, urging them to uphold discipline, integrity, hard work, respect and other values that positively represent their communities and country.
The engagement in Dubai provided a platform not only to commemorate the Kyabazinga’s 12th Coronation Anniversary, but also to highlight the potential of the Basoga diaspora as a link between Uganda and the wider global community through cultural preservation, skills exchange, investment and development partnerships. Minister Babalanda 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.
The Minister encouraged the Basoga diaspora to remain connected to their homeland and to play an active role in development by leveraging their skills, experience, networks and resources to create opportunities and support communities in Uganda. The event was held at the Mövenpick Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, and brought together various stakeholders to celebrate the Kyabazinga’s coronation anniversary and strengthen connections between the Kingdom of Busoga, its people in the diaspora and their communities back home.
Key points
- Minister Babalanda urges Basoga diaspora to use global experience to support development in Uganda.
- The Basoga diaspora is encouraged to invest in productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and technology.
- The Government of Uganda is committed to working with cultural institutions and Ugandans in the diaspora to promote unity and socio-economic transformation.
