Ethiopians urged to deepen investments in Uganda

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The head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, has urged members of the Ethiopian community in Uganda to take advantage of the country’s peaceful environment and liberalised economy by increasing their investments in key sectors.

Speaking on July 12, 2025, evening at a dinner reception hosted by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Bagonza described Uganda as “one of the most peaceful and secure countries in the region” with a steadily growing economy and a favourable investment climate.

In her remarks, Ambassador Etsegenet expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and institutions such as the State House Diaspora Unit and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Credit: Ethiopian Embassy)

“Uganda remains one of the most peaceful and secure countries in the region, with a steadily growing economy, a liberalised investment regime, and a strategic location within the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Bagonza said.

He encouraged the Ethiopian diaspora to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, ICT, and logistics, noting that their participation would not only yield personal benefit but also deepen Uganda–Ethiopia bilateral ties.

The dinner, held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Kampala, was part of the Ethiopian Diaspora Engagement Programme under the theme “Our Diaspora for National Development and Unity.”

Ethiopian community members and Ugandan friends received awards in recognition of their exceptional support to Ethiopia's development initiatives. (Credit: Ethiopian Embassy)

Bagonza hailed the Ethiopian community in Uganda as “not just guests, but valued contributors to Uganda’s economy, culture, and our shared vision for an integrated Africa.”

In her remarks, Ambassador Etsegenet expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and institutions such as the State House Diaspora Unit and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their continued support of the Ethiopian diaspora.

She acknowledged the diaspora’s immense contributions to Ethiopia’s development, citing areas such as remittances, investment, and advocacy.

Members of the Ethiopian community in Uganda have been urged to take advantage of the country’s peaceful environment and liberalised economy by increasing their investments in key sectors. (Credit: Ethiopian Embassy)

She specifically highlighted the community’s role in supporting the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which she described as a symbol of national pride and regional cooperation.

In that regard, Ethiopian community members and Ugandan friends received awards in recognition of their exceptional support to national development initiatives.

The event was also attended by the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority, Robert Mukiza, the Deputy Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Henry Wabyona, and the Diaspora Unit’s Liaison Officer, Topher Matsiko.