Equity Bank Uganda has called on Ugandans living abroad to move beyond sending money home and instead invest in businesses and other wealth-creating opportunities that can drive the country’s economic growth.
The call was made during the bank’s 2026 Diaspora Webinar held on Saturday under the theme, “From Remittances to Investment Capital: Unlocking Diaspora Wealth for Uganda’s Economic Transformation.” The virtual event brought together Ugandans from Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and East Africa, alongside government and Bank of Uganda officials.
Opening the webinar, Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko thanked diaspora customers for their continued support and said the annual engagement provides an opportunity for the bank to understand their needs while strengthening its relationship with Ugandans abroad.
He said the bank’s goal is to help the diaspora not only send money home safely but also build sustainable investments that contribute to Uganda’s long-term economic development.
Shoko noted that Equity Bank Uganda now serves more than 2.1 million customers through a network of 50 branches, nearly 10,000 agents and thousands of merchants across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Professor Augustus Nuwagaba challenged Ugandans abroad to play a bigger role in transforming the country’s economy by converting remittances into productive investments.
He revealed that the central bank is developing a Diaspora Bond that will provide Ugandans abroad with a secure way to invest in national development projects while earning returns. He also encouraged collective investment in infrastructure, particularly the energy sector.
Professor Nuwagaba advised the diaspora to invest in sectors they understand and that require limited day-to-day supervision, including selected real estate projects, financial technology, digital infrastructure and payment systems.
He also urged Ugandans abroad to continuously build their skills and pursue innovative business opportunities that create unique value.
Meanwhile, Joseph Enyimu, Commissioner for Economic Development Policy and Research at the Ministry of Finance, said Uganda is working towards building a US$500 billion economy driven by innovation, industrialisation and a knowledge-based economy.
He highlighted investment opportunities in agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, as well as science, technology, innovation, ICT and the creative industry. He encouraged the diaspora to channel more resources into businesses, agriculture, real estate, government securities and collective investment schemes instead of limiting support to family remittances.
Enyimu added that government reforms, including digital land services and improved land administration, are intended to make it easier for Ugandans abroad to own property and invest at home.
During the webinar, Equity Bank’s Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments, Winfred Wanjiru, showcased the bank’s diaspora banking solutions, including digital banking services, Visa debit cards, property financing, construction loans, equity release facilities and dedicated relationship managers. She also encouraged Ugandans abroad to acquire National Identity Cards to simplify access to financial and property services.
Tim Mugerwa of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association UK said the association’s partnership with Equity Bank has expanded beyond banking to include investment and wealth creation initiatives. He revealed plans to explore Treasury Bills, government bonds and unit trusts while supporting social projects such as a mental health rehabilitation unit in partnership with the Uganda Police Force.
In his closing remarks, Shoko reaffirmed Equity Bank’s commitment to supporting Ugandans abroad through tailored financial solutions and investment opportunities. He said the bank has made significant progress since its previous diaspora webinar in 2025, including improving access to National ID services through collaboration with NIRA, reducing remittance costs, expanding financial inclusion in the Middle East and strengthening engagement with diaspora customers.
He said the bank will continue positioning itself as a trusted partner connecting Ugandans abroad to investment opportunities back home.
