By Mulengera Reporters
Equity Bank is urging Ugandans living abroad to move beyond using remittances mainly for family support and channel part of the money they send home into investments and income-generating assets.
The bank says a growing number of Ugandans in the diaspora are looking beyond meeting immediate needs and are increasingly interested in building businesses, acquiring property and creating long-term wealth in Uganda.
The call was made during an X Space hosted by Equity Bank on September 30, 2026, under the theme, “From Remitting to Investing: Loan Opportunities for Ugandans in the Diaspora.”
Winfred Warui, Senior Manager for International Banking and Cross-Border Payments at Equity Bank, said the financial aspirations of Ugandans abroad are changing as more diaspora earners seek to build wealth at home.
“For several years, the focus has largely been on sending money home for immediate needs such as school fees, hospital bills and education expenses. But we are beginning to see more diaspora customers who want to build, invest and own assets in Uganda,” Warui said.
She said Ugandans abroad could consider a range of investment opportunities, including property, agribusiness, government securities and other interest-bearing investments, depending on their financial goals and risk appetite.
Bob Paul Lusembo, Segment Head of Micro Business at Equity Bank, said the key challenge for diaspora earners is balancing family obligations with the need to build productive assets.
“Much of the money sent home is used for consumption and immediate needs. We want to help customers consider how some of their earnings can be used to build wealth and create productive assets,” Lusembo said.
He said diaspora earners could start by directing a portion of their income towards businesses or assets capable of generating future income, rather than putting all their remittances towards short-term consumption.
Among the opportunities highlighted by Lusembo are clothing, food processing and distribution, retail, transport and logistics, equipment hire, hospitality and specialised services.
Agriculture, he said, also offers opportunities beyond farming itself, with potential investments in production, storage, processing, packaging and distribution.
“The right entry point depends on what you can afford and where there is demand,” Lusembo said.
Property remains another option, with diaspora investors able to consider land, rental units, shops, offices and warehouses, depending on their resources and market demand.
However, Lusembo cautioned Ugandans investing from abroad to carry out thorough due diligence, particularly when purchasing land remotely.
He also encouraged diaspora investors to consider financing productive assets for businesses that are already operating instead of automatically starting new ventures.
Such investments could include vehicles or motorcycles used for transport and other income-generating activities.
Warui said financial literacy will be critical if more Ugandans abroad are to successfully move from remitting for consumption to investing for long-term returns.
“It starts with information and financial literacy,” she said.
Equity Bank said its relationship management, wealth and investment services can help diaspora customers identify investment opportunities that align with their financial goals.
The bank’s representatives said the broader objective is to change how remittances are viewed—from money primarily used to meet immediate household needs into capital that can help families build sustainable sources of income.
“The mindset we are encouraging is a shift from consumption to investment, from investment to wealth creation, and from short-term gains to strategic assets and a lasting legacy,” Lusembo said.
For Ugandans who have spent years working abroad, that legacy could ultimately mean returning home to an established business, income-generating property or other productive assets capable of supporting their families for generations.
Warui said the investment opportunities available to diaspora customers could also extend beyond Uganda to other markets across East Africa, depending on their individual circumstances and investment objectives. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
