On 20 March, 2025, VIF hosted a delegation from Uganda led by Ambassador Jonny M. Muhindo, Head, Diaspora Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Uganda. Mr. Bagonza Mohammed, Head of Diaspora Affairs Unit, State House; Ms. Birungi Sophie, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Nkonge Timothy, Senior Principal Legal Officer, President’s Office; Mr. Nuwagaba Frank, Officer, Labour Migration and Social Inclusion (IOM); Ms. Bridget Nimungu, Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development and Mr. Hannington Kananura, First Secretary were also a part of the delegation.
Lt Gen R K Sawhney delivered the opening remarks highlighting the need for an enhanced cooperation diplomacy, trade, security, and diaspora policy between India and Uganda. The interaction was attended by Ms Ruchita Beri, Senior Fellow, VIF and research scholars of VIF who shared their valuable insights.

Salient Points of Discussion

1. The discussion underlined Uganda’s strategic importance in India’s foreign policy, highlighting Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s visit to Uganda in 2018 where he articulated the ten guiding principles for Africa engagement, also known as the Kampala Principles.
2. The delegation spoke about the Ugandan government’s deep commitment to the diaspora and expressed keen interest in learning about India’s successful diaspora engagement.
3. In this context, the initiatives by Government of India to engage with its diaspora like the ‘Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas’ and ‘Know India Programme’ were discussed.
4. The importance of South-South cooperation was emphasized with the need to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependence on western financial systems.
5. It was stressed that Uganda should prioritise oil and gas exploration as well as agro-processing locally, rather than exporting raw materials, while also welcoming Indian investments in these sectors.
6. The discussion underscored academic collaborations between Uganda and India to deepen mutual understanding and foster capacity-building vis a vis educational and cultural exchanges.

The interaction concluded with an emphasis for an enhanced cooperation between VIF and think tanks in Uganda by establishing a framework for continuous exchange between the two research institutions.

Event Date 
March 20, 2025