The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Richard Todwong, has urged Ugandans living abroad to take advantage of investment opportunities back home, emphasizing that Uganda’s peace and security provide a strong foundation for profitable ventures.
Todwong made the remarks over the weekend while representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at NRM South Africa victory celebrations and the launch of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO in Cape Town.
“I advise you to take the many opportunities at home and invest back home. The peace and security we have in Uganda can make you invest in Uganda and make good returns,” Todwong told the media on his return.
He underscored that the government is now focusing on household-level economic transformation, with deliberate efforts to move subsistence farmers into the money economy and support vulnerable groups to become productive.
“The NRM Government is now focusing on household improvements. We want all subsistence farmers to join the money economy and all the vulnerable groups to be supported to become productive,” he said.
Todwong encouraged diaspora Ugandans to organize themselves into Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), noting that such structures would enable them to benefit from government support.
“I invite those in the diaspora to take that advantage. They should form SACCOs through which government can put its contributions,” he added.
He also cautioned against unproductive engagements, urging Ugandans abroad to focus on initiatives that directly contribute to development, while stressing that Uganda’s governance framework is inclusive.
“You don’t need to be a member of NRM to succeed in Uganda. Our governance processes and policies are open to all Ugandans,” he said.
The event also featured the Deputy Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Henry Wabyona, who represented the unit and highlighted the growing importance of Ugandans abroad in national development.
Wabyona congratulated the NRM on what he described as a resounding electoral victory, attributing it to sustained public confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He also commended the NRM Chapter in South Africa for mobilising support and maintaining patriotism among Ugandans abroad.
He noted that the diaspora remains one of Uganda’s most valuable national assets, contributing significantly through remittances, investments, and knowledge transfer.
“Through remittances, investment, knowledge transfer and international networks, you continue to make a significant contribution to our economy and communities back home,” Wabyona said.
According to him, Ugandans abroad remit approximately $1.6 billion annually, supporting families, businesses, and national development.
Wabyona also welcomed the launch of the Uganda Diaspora SACCO, describing it as a critical platform for mobilising savings and promoting collective investment among Ugandans living abroad.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, and other government and party representatives, such as Eng Jonard Asiimwe, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Region, underscoring the growing focus on engaging the diaspora as a key pillar in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
