By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Doha successfully hosted the 2025 Uganda–Qatar Diaspora Convention, bringing together hundreds of Ugandan migrant workers, diaspora leaders, government officials and private sector partners for a full day of engagement, empowerment and service delivery.
The Convention followed a three-day capacity-building programme last week for Embassy staff and diaspora community leaders, aimed at strengthening approaches to diaspora management.
The workshops were facilitated by Ms Victoria Nabiteeko, Programme Officer, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kampala, whose technical guidance enhanced participants’ skills in migrant welfare support, community engagement and ethical diaspora management practices.
As part of this programme, Embassy officials conducted outreach visits to Ugandans in several accommodation facilities, listening to their concerns and assessing welfare needs. The Mowasalat (Karwa) meeting, attended by more than 110 Ugandans, formed part of this broader engagement and informed several of the issues addressed during the Convention.
The Convention was led by Mr Bagonza Muhammad, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and Head of the Diaspora Unit in State House, accompanied by Mrs Desree Barlow, Presidential Assistant and Head of the Research Desk in the Office of the President.
Mr Bagonza delivered national updates, noting that Uganda’s global diaspora remittances now exceed UGX 6.5 trillion annually, with Ugandans in the Gulf region contributing approximately 38 to 40 percent of this total. These insights were reinforced by Mr Patrick Batenze of Liberation Community Finance, who spoke on safe investment opportunities in Uganda. Mr Bagonza also briefed the community on progress toward a new Diaspora Law, the Diaspora App, plans for a Government Call Centre, and preparations to deploy a mobile biometric kit and later a passport machine in Qatar. He assured participants that the Government is committed to addressing concerns surrounding Interpol fees, communication charges, money transfer costs and driving permit alignment.
Amb Dr Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, Deputy Head of Mission, commended Ugandans in Qatar for their discipline, unity and patriotism. He applauded the strong support shown for the Uganda FIFA Under 17 national team, which reflected the community’s deep national pride. He highlighted the positive reputation Ugandans enjoy among Qatari employers, the continued growth of the Mission’s cultural expo activities and the importance of responsible financial behaviour, skills development and respectful conduct in the host country. He noted the strengthening of bilateral relations marked by the opening of Qatar’s Embassy in Kampala, a milestone made possible through the goodwill of His Highness the Emir of Qatar. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of all Ugandans in Qatar.
The Chairman of the Uganda Community in Qatar (UGACOQ), Mr Aliguma Saul Rayan, also addressed participants. He encouraged Ugandans to remain united, register with community structures and collaborate with the Embassy to advance the welfare of the Ugandan community in Qatar. Issues raised by the community included mobile money fraud, recruitment agency overcharging, financial literacy gaps, high Interpol fees, driving permit challenges, telecom charges, diaspora voting clarity and the need for stronger banking linkages between Uganda and Qatar. Government officials reaffirmed that diaspora voting is already provided for under Ugandan law and will be implemented.
The programme included a dedicated cancer awareness engagement for the diaspora community, overseen by Mr Benson Akampumza, Chairman of Peninsula, who coordinated the wellness activities at Wings Sports Club in Lusail City. The event featured a colourful performance by the Twegatte Cultural Troupe, which added vibrancy and showcased Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
The 2025 Uganda–Qatar Diaspora Convention has been praised for its relevance, organisation and strong alignment with the needs of Ugandans living and working in Qatar. The Embassy expressed its appreciation to all government officials, community leaders and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event, reaffirming its commitment to sustained engagement, improved service delivery and strengthened support systems for the Ugandan diaspora in Qatar.
