The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Bujumbura, Burundi successfully organized the 1st Diaspora convention that was hosted at the Donatus Conference Center Bujumbura on 7th June 2025 from 9.00am – 9.00pm, under the Theme ”Partnering with the Diaspora for socio-economic transformation”
The Uganda Embassy was joined by the Executive of the Association of Ugandans living in Burundi to organise this inaugural event which was attended by over 400 delegates.
The event was further joined by Senior Government Officials from Uganda and Burundi, including the representative of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kampala – Ambassador Herbert Kiguli; Mr. Andrew Apedel, Senior Registration Officer National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA); Ms. Natumanya Rossette, Senior Immigration Officer, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC); Ms. Lydia Namuswa, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
(DCIC); Ms. Irene Alwenyi Erinah Toninah Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Col. Jereme Rwankabigero who represented the Burundi High Commission for Migrations, and Mr. Rogers Ngabirano, the Executive Director, Burundi Development Agency – who made several presentations to Ugandan families, professionals and business persons about their immigration and citizenship rights and obligations, how to engage in development and investment opportunities back in Uganda; and how to register children born to Ugandan parents living and working in Burundi.
The one-day convention was officially opened by H.E. Ambassador Maj Gen (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza, Ambassador of Uganda in Burundi, who urged Ugandans in Burundi to take full advantage of the information that was disseminated to them by the respective government departments and agencies represented at the event.
H.E. Ambassador Kyaligonza further reminded Ugandans to keep themselves on the good side the law, and to remain united under one identity as Ugandan citizens. Delegates were further urged to work hard and diligently save towards investing back home in Uganda.
During the Convention NIRA launched the enrolment and registration of Ugandans living in Burundi. 175 Ugandans living in Burundi enrolled for the renewal and acquisition of new national identity cards. The biometric kit was officially handed over to the Embassy to continue registering Ugandans in Burundi. The event was crowned by a cocktail reception that was hosted by the Uganda Embassy where guests were served with an array of sumptuous food and drinks, including Uganda Waragi sundowners, while dancing to Ugandan music played by a live band.
“This has been an exciting event. I feel appreciated by the Embassy and I have gained a lot of information on some of the trade, investment and immigration challenges that I have been facing” said a Ugandan furniture maker with a workshop in Bujumbura.
“Bujumbura is a city of many business opportunities. Now that my National Identity Card is going to be renewed, I will be able to return home regularly to advance my investments in Uganda. This exercise has saved me a lot of money. I would have had to travel to Uganda and spend a lot of time following up the renewal of my National ID” said a professional English Language teacher that is currently employed at one of the leading International Schools in Bujumbura.
“We have observed quite a buzz, and this has definitely been a very well organized and attended event. There is clearly an attraction for the work of the Uganda Embassy in Burundi now. Many Ugandans expressed excitement about real possibilities of beginning meaningful investments back home” said Mr. Micheal Bogere – the Chairman of the Association of Ugandans living and working in Burundi.
