Ugandans living and working in Kenya have been urged to rethink how they send money home, with financial leaders calling on them to invest in businesses, real estate, and agribusiness instead of sending most of their earnings toward daily family expenses.
The appeal was made during a Diaspora Investment Forum held in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 10, where Ugandan professionals, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and government representatives discussed ways to turn diaspora earnings into long-term investments.
The forum, organised by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Network (UGNET), focused on the role Ugandans living abroad could play in growing their country's economy through investments.
Ugandans in Kenya Urged to Turn Remittances Into Investments Back Home
UGNET Chairperson and UNICEF Senior Health Adviser Dr Phionah Atuhebwe said Ugandans abroad had financial resources, professional expertise and international networks that could be put to greater use back home.
She said diaspora communities needed to look beyond sending money to meet immediate family needs and consider investments that could generate wealth over time.
“The diaspora is far more than just remittances; we are a powerhouse of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation, and global networks,” Atuhebwe said.
She added that investing in sustainable assets would help create long-term prosperity for individuals and their home country.
