Background to the Summit
Uganda Government through Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has been executing several programs that have been essential and critical in National development. These programs have been designed in line with the national strategies like the Competitiveness Investment Climate Strategy (CICS) which has mapped out the main activities and listed the expected outcomes. Under these programs, UIA focused on pro-active investment promotion and facilitation as a core activity. Under the promotion and facilitation part, the Diaspora investment stands out as a main component which needed more attention. UIA has effectively undertaken its pro-active role to inform the Diaspora about investment and trade opportunities that exist at home.
The Ugandan Diaspora, at different levels, occasionally met with UIA and Government officials promoting investment packages at their meetings or conventions on the opportunities that exist in the country and the region as a whole. Issues of the general policy, regulatory frameworks as well initiatives that the Uganda Government has in place to make home the best investment destination are discussed. These issues are manifested by the theme “Home is the Best” for all Diaspora Conferences held in Uganda since 2004. The last Conference was held in Gulu and Kampala. A decision was then made to have a Diaspora Conference in December of every year.
It is a common practice that many Ugandans in the Diaspora trek home to cerebrate the Christmas festivals with the families. Therefore this year’s Conference code named “Home is the Best Summit -3” will be held in Lira on 23rd December 2009, Kampala on 29th to 30th December 2009, and Mbale on 4th January 2010. Home is the Best Summit – 3 because it will be the third Conference to organise under such a theme.
Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is coordinating Government Departments/Institutions and the Private Sector to realize this Diaspora Investment Summit.
Summit Objectives
The “Home is the Best” Forum which has become an annual event is intended to embrace all Ugandans in the Diaspora .The Summit will also allows the Diaspora to actively express ideas on the development and review processes of policy and regulatory frame work regarding the business environment. Members of the Diaspora also get the opportunity to reflect on their business investment achievements at home.
Summit Structure
The Summit structure will include presentations, discussion panels and may be live broadcasting that will discuss trade & investment opportunities and challenges in different areas of the country. There will be side events that will include Exhibitions and Fashion Shows, Entertainment, Cultural Activities, Youths Activities and Diners, and Cocktails. This years Summit will pay special attention to Agriculture-Agro-possessing especially Value Addition to our abundant natural resources, ICT especially Business Process Outsourcing & Multimedia, Education Finance ,Health care and Tourism and other areas.
The out of Kampala meets (Lira and Mbale) give the Diaspora participants a chance to see the countryside and the numerous latent investment and trading opportunities outside the capital.
Participation in the Summit
Approximately 300 to 450 Diaspora members and their families who make the annual Christmas holiday pilgrimage to Uganda are expected to attend this year’s Summit. Last year’s (2008) events hosted in Gulu and Kampala had more that 250 participants. There will be strong presence of Ugandan Business Community, Government Officials, NGO’S and limited general public.
Summit Outcome
The Forum usually comprises as an exhibition of the solutions to the Diaspora needs, discussions on challenges, and new opportunities. Financial institutions, the construction & building industry, trading houses and the private sector as whole present their branded packages to the Ugandan Diaspora who usually lack information and knowledge about the home economic and investment climate.
Finally the Summit agenda will recommend the practical actions, time lines and tools that will lead to improved measures for better environment and embark on initiatives that will promote more Diaspora-led investments in the country.
Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Private Sector in Uganda is organising yet another Diaspora Investment Summit, under the theme “HOME IS THE BEST 3”. Three business summits are scheduled to take place in Lira, Kampala (Hotel Africana) and Mbale on 23rd December 2009, 29th to 30th December 2009, and 4th January 2010 respectively.
The “Home is the Best” Forum has become an annual event that embraces all Ugandans in the Diaspora into active participation in the development and review processes of policy and regulatory frame work regarding the business environment. Members also get the opportunity to reflect on their business investment achievements at home. .
The Forum usually comprises an exhibition of the solutions to the Diaspora needs, discussions on challenges, and new opportunities. Financial institutions, the construction & building industry, trading houses and the private sector as a whole present their branded packages to the Ugandan Diaspora who usually lack information and knowledge about the home’s economic and investment climate.
Approximately 300 to 450 Diaspora members and their families, who make the annual Christmas holiday pilgrimage to Uganda, attend the Summit. Last year’s (2008) events were hosted in Gulu and Kampala. The out of Kampala meets give the participants a chance to see the countryside and the numerous latent investment and trading opportunities outside the capital.
This year’s summit will pay special attention to Investment and Trade opportunities in ICT especially Business Process Outsourcing and Multimedia, Value Addition to our abundant natural resources (Agriculture-Agro-possessing), Tourism, Health care, Education Bio-Technology etc.
There will be number of side events that will include i) Exhibitions and Fashion Shows where Ugandans at home and in the Diaspora with display their products and services, ii) Entertainment & Cultural Activities where participants will discuss the effects of modernisation on the culture, there will be training sessions on valued cultural norms including gender issues, iii) Youths and Children Activities which will include games and sports iv) Dinners, and Cocktails.
For further Information, please contact:
Mr. John Musajjakawa
Senior Investment Promotion Officer
Uganda Investment Authority
Twed Plaza, 2nd Floor, Plot 22B Lumumba Avenue
Tel: 0414-301161, Fax: 0414-342903
Email: musajja@ugandainvest.com or info@ugandainvest.com
Mrs. Doris Mitti Kimuli
Deputy Director, Communications & Public Relations
Uganda Investment Authority
Twed Plaza, 2nd Floor, Plot 22B Lumumba Avenue
Tel: 0414-301101, Fax: 0414-342903
E-mail: dmitti@ugandainvest.com, info@ugandainvest.com
Website: www.ugandainvest.com
