UADC launch to empower Ugandan diaspora in the US

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July 6, 2024, begins a new dawn for the Uganda diaspora in the United States. The Ugandan American Diaspora Community (UADC) will be launched, aimed at supporting Ugandans living in the US and bridging the gap between them and their homeland.

The launch will be followed by a prayer breakfast on Sunday, July 7.

UADC promises to provide a platform for connection, community-building, and empowerment for Ugandans living in the United States.

'Rewriting our story'

Patrick Ogwang, the president of UADC, in an interview with New Vision, said there was a huge gap between the country and the Ugandans in the diaspora which is an opportunity for UADC to fill by leveraging on the human capital and exposure they have in the diaspora.

“Rewriting our story together – I think every generation and every person has a responsibility to tell their story because no one is going to write it on their behalf. I think the narrative we have right now depicts challenges and failures. We want to rewrite the story in a way that depicts success not just by sharing the story, but by action,” he explained.

July 6, 2024, begins a new dawn for the Uganda diaspora in the United States.

• Build a strong network for Ugandans and Americans to connect, share experiences, and collaborate

• Promote cultural and social exchange by way of celebrating traditions and social exchange that showcases the beauty and richness of Uganda's heritage

• Support Ugandan development by connecting Ugandan Americans with opportunities  to give back to their communities of origin

• Advocate for Ugandan interests in the US and create positive bilateral relations.

He said they have put up a team of experts who have the will and passion to contribute positively to the development of the country, adding that as people in the diaspora, they are the best advocates for diaspora agendas for Uganda.

“We do have objectives and our vision is to bridge the gap and there are key sectors we want to focus on. We are committed to becoming champions of positive change in Uganda by focusing on key pillars,” he said.

The pillars, dubbed “Eight Pillars of Change” are Education, Advocacy, Youth & Sports, Women & Children, Agriculture, Tourism, Health & Wellness, Climate Change, and Technology & Innovation.

He said they were bringing a team of different leaders together to contribute positively.

“We don’t expect everyone to be part of it. Many organisations are based on membership, for us, we are based on having a positive impact; we are focusing on those people who have a purpose and are willing to make a difference in our country. We are saying come, let’s work together,” he noted.

Ogwang said they are a social development organisation. "I don't think there is any other social development organisation in the US for Uganda. We have organisations that are politically driven, entertainment and networking driven, and tribal organisations that come together to celebrate their culture.”

"If you look for example at how Uganda North American Association (UNAA) is structured and their objectives, we are not the same. However, we are going to work together; UNAA allowed some of us an opportunity to network, build, and bring individuals who think alike together,” he said.

According to Fanny Martinez, UADC’s head of tourism, they want to be a resource portal between Uganda and the diaspora because there are lots of people who are not Ugandans but are interested in knowing and investing in the country.

“We want to be a hub and have annual events where people will come and get all the information they want about Uganda,” she said.

Collaborating with govt ministries

UADC is collaborating with three Ugandan ministries; foreign affairs, tourism, and health. They are closely working with the Uganda State House Diaspora Unit and have also reached out to several universities.

“We believe in collaboration and the only way we can fulfill our objectives is when we work together. We only defeat ourselves if we don’t work together,” Ogwang said.

Significance of Uganda diaspora

According to the Bank of Uganda, Uganda experienced significant growth in diaspora remittances, reflecting a 13.4% increase to $1.4 billion, up from $1.25 billion. The remittances contribute to Uganda's economy by enhancing household incomes and supporting various sectors, including education and healthcare.

According to the State House Diaspora Unit, to maximise these contributions, Uganda aims to strengthen systems for tracking and utilising diaspora resources effectively. Initiatives include encouraging diaspora engagement as ambassadors and fostering partnerships to promote Ugandan products abroad.

Overall, the increasing remittances underscore the diaspora's role not only in economic support but also in potential socio-economic transformation for Uganda.