Uganda has called on its diaspora in South Korea to channel their capital, skills, technology and expertise back home as the country strengthens trade and investment relations with the Asian nation.
The appeal was made during a diaspora outreach event in Seoul hosted by Ugandaโs Embassy in Tokyo ahead of the Uganda-Korea Trade and Investment Meeting taking place from September 6 to 10. Organised in partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the meeting will bring together government officials, business leaders and other stakeholders to explore new opportunities for trade and investment between Uganda and South Korea.
Addressing the gathering, Ugandaโs Ambassador to South Korea, resident in Tokyo, Tophace Kaahwa, described Ugandans living abroad as โgrassroots ambassadorsโ and encouraged them to contribute to Ugandaโs economic and commercial diplomacy through investment, technology transfer, tourism promotion and skills development. She emphasized that diaspora remittances and expertise remain vital to Ugandaโs economic growth and highlighted tourism, mineral development, science and technology, and agribusiness as key sectors for investment.
Ambassador Kaahwa also encouraged Ugandans in South Korea to register for national identification cards and assured them that the embassy would continue providing consular and related services despite operating from Tokyo.
Leading the Ugandan delegation, Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga said Ugandaโs economy had grown to approximately $70 billion, with the government targeting a $500 billion economy by 2040. Conveying greetings from President Yoweri Museveni, Dr. Kiyonga urged Ugandans in South Korea to remain united and continue serving as proud ambassadors of their country.
He noted that government investments in road infrastructure and the ongoing railway extension from Nairobi to Kampala were improving connectivity and supporting economic growth. He also highlighted Ugandaโs peace, security and stability as key attractions for investors.
Ambassador Muhindo revealed that the government is developing a comprehensive diaspora policy aimed at improving coordination, communication and access to government services for Ugandans abroad. He noted that consultations, which have largely been completed in North America and Europe, are now being expanded to Asia and other regions.
He encouraged Ugandans in South Korea to participate in the Uganda Diaspora Convention scheduled for December 18โ22, 2026, and to share the knowledge and technology acquired abroad through mentorship and other initiatives. According to him, the convention, first held in 2024, has played an important role in encouraging Ugandans abroad to return home and contribute to national development.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Henry Mayega said Ugandans abroad remain important partners in Ugandaโs industrialisation agenda through remittances, investments and expertise. He added that the diaspora could play an even greater role in advancing priority sectors such as agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral development, and science, technology and innovation.
The Honorary Consul of Uganda in Busan, Dr. Kim Jin Bo, praised the growing friendship between Uganda and South Korea and encouraged Ugandans to use the skills and experience gained abroad to support development efforts back home.
The President of the Ugandans in South Korea Association, Hamza Kyamanywa, revealed that as of July 31, there were 654 Ugandans living in South Korea, comprising 407 men and 247 women. He said many are students, employees and entrepreneurs who remain closely connected to Uganda. Having lived in South Korea for eight years, Kyamanywa noted that the association is committed to building a united and vibrant Ugandan community.
During an interactive session, participants raised concerns about professional growth opportunities, sports development and the welfare of Ugandans married to Korean nationals. Others expressed concerns over the absence of a resident Ugandan embassy in South Korea, noting that consular services are currently provided from Tokyo.
The outreach was part of a series of diaspora and business engagements ahead of the Uganda-Korea Trade and Investment Meeting, which officially opens on Sunday.
