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A Ugandan delegation finished their diaspora policy assessment trip to India with a courtesy visit to the New Delhi-based think tank called the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on Thursday (March 20).
VIF includes prominent experts from India’s foremost sectors including security, military, diplomacy, governance, academics, and media.
Throughout their engagement, VIF representatives provided perspectives on leveraging the diaspora’s potential for national progress, underscoring the achievements of India's outreach to its diaspora community. This success has been largely shaped by targeted governmental policies and strategic initiatives.
Mohammed Bagonza, who serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs and leads the State House Diaspora Unit, offered insights into the events that unfolded.
He mentioned that Lt Gen. R. K Sawhney, who leads the VIF center, promoted the participation of think tanks to aid in governmental policy dialogues, particularly concerning diaspora engagement.
Sawhney emphasized the importance of collaboration between Uganda and India on shared developmental initiatives that prioritize Uganda’s needs while being advantageous to both nations.
Amb. Johnny M. Muhindo led the Ugandan delegation.
Alongside Bagonza, they welcomed the bilateral cooperation between Uganda and India.
They decided to keep promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation among VIF and various think tanks as well as universities in Uganda concerning policy issues.
Benchmarking visit
The aim of the diaspora policy is to help the Ugandan government create strategies for supporting and efficiently leveraging the abilities and assets of its expatriate population.
On Tuesday (March 18), the Uganda delegation initiated their benchmarking tour with a meeting involving Ambassador Joyce Kikafunda, who serves as Uganda’s High Commissioner to India.
Later, they had meetings with officials from the Diaspora Engagement Division under the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
During the meeting, Ugandan officials were updated about India’s Diaspora Engagement Division, covering its historical background, various initiatives, and programs, with particular emphasis on policies designed to bolster ties between India and its expatriate community.
On Wednesday, the group engaged in productive talks with Ugandan residents and professionals in India.
The team from out of town learned about the issues faced by Ugandan people in India, including the exploitation through human trafficking of young girls and the problems they encounter when trying to send money home due to complexities involved in setting up bank accounts.
The Ugandan community in India has asked for governmental assistance to facilitate the return of Ugandans who have remained in the country beyond their visa expiration dates. These individuals lack the financial means to cover the associated penalties, which could otherwise lead to imprisonment.
Special consideration was likewise requested for victims of human trafficking and individuals lacking proper travel documentation to help ensure their secure return to Uganda.
Students requested government-established follow-up procedures for job placements upon completing their studies, particularly those in highly specialized areas of study.
Ambassador Muhindo, for his part, urged the Ugandan community in India to stay unified and adhere to the law. He also commended them for their contributions to Uganda’s progress via the funds they send back home.
During his remarks, Bagonza reaffirmed President Yoweri Museveni’s dedication to the socioeconomic advancement of all Ugandans, encompassing those living abroad.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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