Museveni’s Iron Lady Namyalo Takes South Africa By Storm, Urges Diaspora To Reinvest In Uganda!

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, yesterday delivered a rousing keynote address at the Annual Convention of Ugandans in South Africa (COUSA), reaffirming her unwavering commitment to empowering Ugandans in the diaspora and galvanizing their contributions toward national development.

The high-level convention, held in Pretoria, drew hundreds of Ugandans residing across South Africa under one roof to deliberate on key issues of national identity, unity, and economic self-determination. The event served as a vital bridge between the Ugandan government and its citizens abroad, promoting a development-oriented dialogue rooted in inclusivity and patriotism.

Addressing the gathering, Hajjat Namyalo—popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu—urged Ugandans in the diaspora to position themselves as active architects of Uganda’s transformation by leveraging government programs, particularly those designed to uplift youth and women.

“Ugandans in the diaspora are a powerful force for change and development. Your contributions, both financial and intellectual, are vital to the future of our country,” Namyalo emphasized. “The ONC empowerment model is open to all patriotic Ugandans willing to be part of this transformative journey.”

She called on diaspora communities to embody patriotism, preserve Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, and serve as global ambassadors promoting the nation’s image and investment potential. Her message echoed the strategic vision of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which champions inclusive development, self-reliance, and community-led transformation.

Namyalo’s engagement was met with widespread enthusiasm, with many COUSA members hailing her as a pragmatic leader who prioritizes people-centered development and direct interaction with the citizenry.

“This marks a turning point in how the government engages its citizens abroad. For once, we feel seen, heard, and invited to contribute,” said one attendee, a Ugandan entrepreneur based in Johannesburg.

The convention also facilitated critical networking opportunities among Ugandan professionals, entrepreneurs, and students in the diaspora, who explored strategies to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

Namyalo’s presence at the convention underscores the ONC’s growing focus on diaspora engagement as a cornerstone of Uganda’s long-term development agenda, recognizing expatriates as indispensable stakeholders in the pursuit of Vision 2040.

Her visit is the latest in a series of outreach efforts by the ONC, reinforcing the Office’s mandate to mobilize all Ugandans—regardless of location—to participate in the transformation of the country through patriotism, innovation, and unity.