Uganda Urges South Korea Diaspora to Invest as Trade Talks Begin

Uganda has urged its citizens living in South Korea to invest their capital, skills and technology back home as the two countries prepare to hold talks aimed at expanding trade and investment.

The call was made on Saturday at a diaspora outreach hosted by Uganda’s embassy in Tokyo, which is accredited to South Korea, at the 88 Hotel in Seoul.

The engagement was held ahead of the Uganda-Korea Trade and Investment Meeting, scheduled for Sept. 6-10 in partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

Ugandan government officials used the meeting to encourage the diaspora to contribute to the country’s economic development through investment, technology transfer, tourism and skills development.

Uganda’s Ambassador to South Korea, resident in Tokyo, H.E Tophace Kaahwa, described Ugandans abroad as “grassroots ambassadors” and said their remittances and expertise were important to the country’s growth.

Kaahwa highlighted tourism, mineral development, science and technology and agribusiness as areas offering opportunities for investment.

She also said increased power generation was helping to move Uganda’s economy forward and encouraged Ugandans in South Korea to register for national identification cards.

The Second Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ugandan delegation, Crispus Kiyonga, conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and commended the diaspora for its unity and patriotism.

Kiyonga said Uganda was secure and stable and put the country’s economy at about $70 billion. The government, he said, was targeting an economy worth $500 billion by 2040.

He also highlighted investment in roads and said the railway was being extended from Nairobi to Kampala to improve transport and support economic activity.

Kiyonga urged Ugandans in South Korea to remain proud ambassadors of Uganda, uphold unity and maintain close contact with the embassy.

Ambassador Muhindo said the government was developing a comprehensive diaspora policy aimed at improving coordination, communication and access to government services.

He said Ugandans abroad had previously been “scattered and fragmented”, adding that consultations on the policy had largely been completed in North America and Europe and were now moving to Asia and other regions.

Muhindo urged Ugandans in South Korea to attend the Uganda Diaspora Convention scheduled for Dec. 18-22, 2026, and to share knowledge and technology acquired in South Korea through mentorship when they return home.

The convention was first held in 2024 and has helped reconnect Ugandans abroad with opportunities to contribute to their country, he said.

Ambassador Henry Mayega, representing Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, said Ugandans abroad were important contributors to the country through remittances, investment and expertise.

He said the diaspora could play a role in advancing government priorities in agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral development, and science, technology and innovation.

Mayega called for unity among Ugandans abroad and continued participation in the country’s industrialisation, saying Ugandans worked together regardless of political affiliation.

Uganda’s Honorary Consul in Busan, Kim Jin Bo, praised the growing relationship between Uganda and South Korea and urged Ugandans to apply the skills and experience acquired in Korea to Uganda’s development.

He described the diaspora as an important channel of communication between the two countries.

The President of the Ugandans in South Korea Association, Hamza Kyamanywa, said the association was working to build a united and vibrant community.

Kyamanywa said 654 Ugandans were living in South Korea as of July 31, comprising 407 men and 247 women. Many are students, employees and entrepreneurs, he said.

During the open session, participants raised issues including professional growth, sport and the welfare of Ugandans married to Korean nationals.

Some participants also raised concerns about the absence of a resident Ugandan embassy in South Korea, saying consular services are currently provided from Tokyo.

The outreach formed part of several diaspora and business engagements ahead of the Uganda-Korea Trade and Investment Meeting, which opens on Sept. 6.