By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Bank Uganda has urged Ugandans living and working in Kenya to move beyond sending money home and embrace structured investments that build sustainable wealth, grow businesses and create long-term economic opportunities across borders.
The call was made during a Diaspora Investment Forum hosted by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Network (UGNET) in Nairobi. The forum brought together Ugandan professionals, entrepreneurs and investors based in Kenya to explore investment opportunities back home and financial solutions to support their ambitions.
Speaking at the forum, UGNET Chairperson Dr Phionah Atuhebwe said the Ugandan diaspora should be viewed as a powerful source of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation and global networks rather than merely a channel for remittances.
“The diaspora is far more than just remittances; we are a powerhouse of investment capital, professional expertise, innovation and global networks building wealth across borders. Moving beyond simply sending money home to deliberately building sustainable assets is how we create long-term prosperity,” she said.
Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the Bank was positioning its diaspora proposition to support customers throughout their investment journey, shifting the focus from money transfers to long-term financial partnerships.
“True diaspora banking goes beyond simple transactions; it is about building a solid financial partnership that supports your long-term goals and secures your future back home. Instead of only sending money home, let us focus on meaningful investments that build lasting assets,” Serumaga said.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to maintaining continuous engagement with diaspora communities and providing dedicated financial support to help them achieve their investment goals.
Delivering the keynote address, Richard Byarugaba, Equity Group Managing Director, Asset Management, emphasised that sustainable wealth creation requires discipline, consistency and informed investment decisions.
He encouraged participants to cultivate saving habits, diversify their investments, align financial decisions with long-term goals and work with regulated institutions to protect and grow their wealth.
To help translate these ambitions into action, Equity Bank Uganda showcased a range of financial solutions tailored to Ugandans living and working abroad. These include diaspora savings and current accounts, investment and construction financing, insurance products, investment club accounts and foreign exchange services.
The Bank also highlighted its inter-country banking capabilities, which enable customers to access funds, make transfers and conduct banking transactions across Equity’s regional network.
Winfred Warui, Senior Manager, International Banking and Cross-Border Payments, said the Bank’s regional presence makes it easier for customers to manage their finances and investments across different markets.
“Whether you want to buy land, complete a house, invest in rental property, grow an agribusiness or expand a business venture, we have solutions to support you. You can move money across borders, access your account in different Equity markets and benefit from services designed to make cross-border banking easier and more convenient,” she said.
Beyond financial services, the forum underscored the importance of trusted institutions, secure investment channels and strong bilateral relations in encouraging diaspora participation in national development.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Eunice Kigenyi, called for stronger mechanisms to protect investments made by Ugandans abroad, noting that secure and transparent investment pathways are essential to building confidence.
“Our role is to ensure that as you build your future here, you also build your home. We provide the legal and secure pathways to ensure that your hard-earned investments are protected, authenticated, and anchored in trust,” she said.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, commended Equity Bank for strengthening economic ties between the two countries by connecting business communities and helping diaspora populations channel their earnings into productive investments.
He pointed to a similar engagement recently held in Kampala, where Kenyans living and working in Uganda were encouraged to move beyond conventional remittances and consider structured investments as a pathway to long-term wealth creation.
Namwamba said such initiatives were important in advancing regional integration by linking people, businesses and investment opportunities across borders.
The forum reinforced the growing role of diaspora communities in driving economic development, with Equity Bank positioning its regional banking network and financial solutions as a bridge between earnings abroad and wealth creation at home.
