ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja hosted a networking dinner for Ugandan diaspora leaders in the United Arab Emirates, recognizing their contributions to Uganda’s development.

The event, held at the Rixos Marina Hotel in Abu Dhabi, brought together approximately 150,000 Ugandans living in Abu Dhabi. PM Nabbanja praised their efforts, stating that “mobilizing the diaspora for development is a priority for the NRM Government.”

“I am aware that $50,000 was given towards the leadership association and an additional $63,000 towards the UAE Uganda Diaspora SACCO,” PM Nabbanja said. “In the Financial Year 2025/2026, the Uganda Government will support the Uganda Consulate in Dubai to set up a shelter for stranded Ugandans.”

UAE Minister of State Foreign Affairs in charge of Africa, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, commended the Ugandan community for their friendly, hardworking, trustworthy, and transparent nature.

“The Ugandan community has a good reputation in the UAE, distinguishing themselves as friendly, hardworking, trustworthy, and transparent,” Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan said. “They are a welcome addition to the large immigrant population in the UAE.”

Diaspora leaders, including Abdul Basit Nsubuga and Robert Kamoga, expressed concerns regarding safety and mature decision-making.

“We request the government to engage labor export companies to set an age limit of 25 for migrant workers in Abu Dhabi,” Abdul Basit Nsubuga said. “Many jobs in the service industry require high tolerance levels and emotional intelligence, which is more challenging for younger workers.”

The leaders also appealed for amnesty for individuals who have lost passports, citing difficulties with air transportation costs, time off work, and potential job loss.

“Holding valid passports is not optional for people living abroad,” Robert Kamoga said. “We request the government to grant amnesty for people who have lost passports.”

PM Nabbanja assured the leaders that agricultural inputs are already tax-exempt and pledged to inform President Yoweri Museveni about their requests.

“Besides the number of incentives for Ugandan citizens being more, agricultural inputs are already tax-exempt,” PM Nabbanja said. “I will inform H.E. the President about the requests of the diaspora in the UAE.”

PM Nabbanja accepted an invitation to the Diaspora Annual Convention in November 2025.

The event highlighted the Ugandan government’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad and fostering economic development through diaspora engagement.