West Nile Diaspora Rallies Government, Investors to Transform Region into Economic Powerhouse
Dr. Lazarus Anguvaa Chairman WNDC UK 2026 Organising Committee.
LONDON, UK – Leaders from the West Nile diaspora, government agencies and private sector stakeholders have called for increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture and cross-border trade to unlock the vast economic potential of the West Nile sub-region.
The call was made on Thursday during the Third International West Nile Diaspora Convention UK held in London under the theme: “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in West Nile.”
Speaking at the convention, Dr. Lazarus Anguvaa, Chairperson of the West Nile Diaspora Convention UK 2026 Steering Committee, said the region’s economic transformation depends on improved service delivery, reliable infrastructure and stronger collaboration between government and private sector players.
Dr. Anguvaa urged the government to fully integrate West Nile into national development programmes, particularly in mechanized agriculture, to boost production and improve household incomes.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen cross-border trade, noting that West Nile’s strategic location bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan presents enormous opportunities for investment, exports and regional economic growth.
Participants at the convention stressed that reliable electricity and an improved road network remain critical for attracting investors and enabling farmers to access markets.
They noted that many farmers continue to struggle to transport produce because of poor feeder roads, calling for sustained investment in rural road infrastructure and strategic cross-border transport corridors.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of expanding agricultural mechanization and irrigation to improve productivity while urging better coordination of government programmes and resources to maximize their impact.
Delegates also proposed the establishment of a permanent investment platform that would bring together government, development partners, private sector actors and members of the diaspora to coordinate investment initiatives and mobilize resources for the development of West Nile.
Meanwhile, Robert Mukiza, Director at the Uganda Investment Authority, said Uganda offers enormous opportunities for both local and international investors.
He described Uganda as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, citing its large and diverse market, competitive labour costs and favourable economic growth prospects.
Mukiza said Uganda is projected to rank among the fastest-growing economies globally, making it an ideal destination for investment in value addition, manufacturing and production.
He added, “Uganda’s labour costs are the lowest in the region, giving investors a competitive advantage, while government policies continue to create a conducive business environment through access to land and water for investment.”
According to Mukiza, investment opportunities in Uganda currently offer returns of about 14 percent, with nearly US$2 billion worth of investment opportunities available across various sectors.
The convention concluded with renewed calls for stronger partnerships between the diaspora, government and private sector to accelerate economic transformation and position West Nile as a competitive investment destination in Uganda and the wider East African region.