Topher Matsiko

Proud moment for weGo Smart Card. KaCyber Technologies' weGo Smart Card is transforming daily transport in Jinja. Bukedde TV featured @ebusxpress to to show how simple taps, clear payments, and no confusion are making travel easier. @ruthdavoice from EBus Xpress explains how payments work on the bus. Passengers tap their weGo Smart Cards at boarding. The system confirms the payment instantly. The fare stays clear and visible. She also shares plans to extend the service to Mbarara, Mbale, and other cities. One commuter highlights a key change. The card has reduced chaos on the bus. No delays caused by looking for change. No fare arguments. Prices stay constant and fair for everyone. This feature shows progress when public transport focuses on order and fairness. Faster boarding. Better flow. More trust. weGo continues to support smarter public transport for cities across Uganda. Eng. @IanJohnKavuma #SimbulaNeKaCyber

At Matsiko Agro Tourism Farm and Education Center, cows are more than livestock—they are a passion, a legacy, and a powerful source of sustainable income. Dairy farming continues to transform lives through milk, jobs, and value addition.

Honoured to attend today’s CoCoDev (Coffee and Cocoa Value Chains Development Project) workshop in Jinja, where I was selected to deliver closing remarks. I also shared my journey and how I was able to attain the National Coffee Award 2025 as Best Coffee Farmer.

𝐒𝐏𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 While addressing the African Diaspora Stakeholders Forum on Thursday (April 30, 2026) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, called for stronger, more coordinated diaspora engagement frameworks across Africa to accelerate continental development. The two-day Forum, organised by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in partnership with GIZ under the theme “Harnessing Diaspora Potential for Continental Development and Experience Exchange,” has brought together senior government officials, diaspora leaders, development partners, scholars, and private sector actors from across Africa to discuss strategies for strengthening diaspora participation in national and continental development. Mr Bagonza is attending the Forum together with the Deputy Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr @HenryWabyona. While addressing delegates, Mr Bagonza highlighted the growing importance of the African diaspora as a strategic development partner, noting that diaspora contributions now extend far beyond remittances to include investment, innovation, skills transfer, entrepreneurship, and global networking opportunities that continue to shape Africa’s development trajectory. He noted that in Uganda alone, remittance inflows reached approximately US$2.5 billion (about UGX 9.25 trillion) in 2025, making the diaspora one of the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange and an increasingly important pillar in supporting livelihoods, education, healthcare, and business development. Mr Bagonza also emphasised the need for African governments to move from fragmented approaches to more structured and coordinated diaspora engagement systems that build trust, strengthen institutional collaboration, and create sustainable pathways for diaspora participation in national development. He further shared Uganda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with citizens abroad through the establishment of the State House Diaspora Unit, the development of a National Diaspora Policy, diaspora data systems, digital engagement platforms, skills-mapping initiatives, and reforms aimed at improving remittance systems and reducing transaction costs. The African Diaspora Stakeholders Forum continues today, Friday, May 1, 2026, with discussions focusing on strengthening collaboration between African governments, diaspora networks, regional bodies, and development partners to advance diaspora-led development initiatives across the continent. The forum was officially opened on Thursday by Mr Adam Tesfaye, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, who represented H.E. Gedion Timothewos (PhD), the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. He called upon African countries to tap into the diaspora opportunities, which is the sixth unofficial region according to the African Union development agenda. Other officials who spoke at the opening session included H.E. Amb. Fitsum Arega from the Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS), H.E. Jafar Bedru from the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Amb. Amr Aljowaily, Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate at the African Union Commission (AUC), and H.E. Birgitt Ory, the German Ambassador to Ethiopia. #UgandaDiaspora

📌 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐭𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢, 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 The State House Diaspora Unit has taken note of the clarification issued by H.E. @KagutaMuseveni regarding the intent and scope of the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. We recognise that over the past weeks, the Bill has generated significant discussion among Ugandans both at home and abroad, including members of the diaspora who have expressed concerns about its potential implications. We wish to reassure all Ugandans living abroad that, as clarified by H.E. the President, the Bill is not intended to restrict remittances, foreign direct investment, religious support, or the free movement of privately earned funds into and out of Uganda. Uganda remains committed to maintaining an open and liberal economic environment that supports diaspora contributions, investments, and financial flows, which continue to play a vital role in national development. The core objective of the proposed legislation, as guided by H.E. the President, is to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty in policy decision-making, ensuring that national decisions on political, social, economic, and diplomatic matters are made independently and without undue external influence. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that the voices of Ugandans in the diaspora are heard and meaningfully represented in national discussions. We have been actively engaging with diaspora leaders and stakeholders regarding this contentious Bill. Last week, a comprehensive memorandum summarising the diaspora's views on the Bill was submitted to Parliament. We encourage continued constructive engagement even after the H.E. the President has made these clarifications to guide the legislative process. We assure you that your concerns remain a priority. The State House Diaspora Unit remains committed to strengthening the bridge between the Government and Ugandans abroad through information, engagement, and collaboration. #UgandaDiaspora

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 On Wednesday evening, the State House Diaspora Unit successfully launched the Global Diaspora Engagement Webinar Series, a new platform aimed at strengthening engagement between the Government of Uganda and Ugandans living abroad. While delivering his remarks, the Head of the Unit, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, described the diaspora as one of Uganda’s most valuable national assets. He noted that in 2025 alone, remittances reached US$2.5 billion (about UGX 9.5 trillion), directly supporting families, education, healthcare, and businesses. However, he emphasised that the diaspora’s contribution goes beyond remittances to include investment, skills, knowledge transfer, innovation, and global networks that position Uganda on the international stage. “It is because of this that organised engagement with the diaspora is not optional, but necessary,” he said. The webinar series will be held on a bi-weekly basis (every two weeks), focusing on priority diaspora issues. During these engagements, diaspora members will have the opportunity to interact directly with key government institutions, including the National Identification and Registration Authority (@NIRA_Ug), Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (@DCICUg), Uganda Revenue Authority (@URAuganda), Uganda Investment Authority (@ugandainvest), Ministry of Internal Affairs (@mia_uga), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (@mofpedU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@UgandaMFA), among others. Through the series, discussions will address critical issues affecting Ugandans abroad, including dual citizenship, visa and immigration processes, land matters, National ID access, investment opportunities, and emerging national issues such as the Protection of #SovereigntyBill. “This will be a platform for clarity, engagement, and solutions,” Mr Bagonza stated. He also cautioned against fragmentation within the diaspora, noting that many engage individually or in smaller groups, which weakens collective impact. He encouraged members to participate actively, engage constructively, and hold government accountable. “For your voice to have a real impact, it must be coordinated, structured, and aggregated. That is the role we are here to play. Our interactions with you will be more than just conversations; they will serve as a bridge connecting government to Ugandans abroad through information sharing, engagement, and collaboration,” he added. Other speakers at the launch included the deputy head of the unit, @HenryWabyona , Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value-Addition Development, Dr Hillary Emmanuel Musoke, and the unit’s Liaison Officer, Mr @TopherMatsiko. The webinar, moderated by @Dr_DennisAguma, attracted strong participation, with more than 130 diaspora members joining from different parts of the world. #UgandaDiaspora #DiasporaWebinarSeries

𝐒𝐏𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚–𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 The Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, held a strategic meeting with the Mayor of Eugene City, Oregon, Madam Kaarin Knudson, to advance international collaboration and promote community-driven development. Mr Bagonza’s visit was part of ongoing efforts to explore opportunities to strengthen global partnerships and foster sustainable growth between Uganda and institutions in the United States. During the engagement, Mr Bagonza delivered an official communiqué from the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (@KCCAED), Mrs Sharifah @Buzeki_Sharifah, to Mayor Knudson. The message emphasised Kampala’s commitment to building stronger institutional collaboration and deepening engagement with the City of Eugene. Discussions focused on areas of research and development, promoting cross-border investment, and strengthening institutional partnerships between Eugene and Ugandan entities, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (@KCCAUG). Mr Bagonza highlighted the importance of workforce development, mentorship programs, and innovative sustainability solutions, noting that initiatives such as sister-city partnerships could provide valuable platforms for knowledge exchange and long-term cooperation. The meeting also highlighted the growing importance of government-supported diaspora initiatives in driving economic empowerment and facilitating meaningful knowledge and skills transfer between the United States and Uganda. Mr Bagonza also commended Ms Sylvia Kakyo for her outstanding leadership and contribution as a diaspora leader, recognising her pivotal role in nurturing and strengthening the relationship between Uganda, @KCCAUG, and the City of Eugene. The engagement marks an important step toward building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships anchored in a shared vision of inclusive development, innovation, and global cooperation. #UgandaDiaspora

I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Ugandan women living and working in the diaspora as we celebrate International Women’s Day.

📌OFFICIAL STATEMENT The State House Diaspora Unit extends its heartfelt solidarity to all Ugandan citizens living and working across the Middle East during this period of heightened tension and insecurity. #UgandaDiaspora

The State House Diaspora Unit on Thursday officiated the Grand Opening of the Returnees SACCO, an initiative organized by World Resilience Uganda with support from the International Labour Organization(ILO). The SACCO brings together 620 Ugandan returnees from the Middle East, making it the largest organized diaspora returnees initiative in Uganda. Through the support of the International Labour Organization, the initiative received UGX 350 million to strengthen financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods for returning migrant workers. The event was graced by Dr. Hillary Emmanuel Musoke, Senior Presidential Adviser on Agribusiness and Value Addition Development / Special Duties, together with @TopherMatsiko, the head of Liaison and Partnerships at the State House Diaspora Unit. The State House Diaspora Unit is proud to support initiatives that empower Ugandan diaspora returnees through financial cooperation, enterprise development, and economic reintegration.

The State House Diaspora Unit team, led by its Head, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, held a Planning and Induction Workshop to strengthen staff efficiency and enhance strategic planning for diaspora engagement. The training was facilitated by the Assistant Commissioner for Planning and Policy at @StateHouseUg, Immaculate Naamala. In his remarks, Mr Bagonza noted that the workshop was timely and necessary in equipping the team with improved planning skills to serve better the diaspora, a key stakeholder in Uganda’s socio-economic development. He highlighted the steady growth in remittance inflows, now estimated at USD $1.6 billion (about Uganda shillings 5.8 trillion) annually, and emphasised the importance of structured planning to maximise the diaspora’s contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and national development. Ms Naamala encouraged the team to adopt a results-oriented planning approach, stressing the need to plan activities quarterly to improve coordination, service delivery and accountability.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 The Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, has held a meeting with David Caprara, Global Peace Foundation (@GlobalPeace) International Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, to explore avenues of collaboration in global peacebuilding, environmental peacebuilding, and diaspora-led peace initiatives. The discussions focused on how Ugandans in the diaspora can actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts at home, including through community engagement, dialogue promotion, and support for national cohesion and stability. Mr Caprara, who is on a working visit to Uganda, was accompanied by Kambula Milton (@KambulaMilton), Peace Service Ambassador and President of Global Peace Foundation Uganda. The Global Peace Foundation is an international, non-profit and non-partisan organisation founded in 2009 by Hyun Jin Preston Moon (@HyunJinPMoon), and is dedicated to promoting the vision of “One Family under God” through a values-based approach. The Foundation advances peace, social cohesion and sustainable development in over 20 countries by working with government, faith-based and community leaders to address conflict and promote shared universal values. In recognition of Uganda’s role in promoting peace and stability, the Foundation honoured His Excellency President @KagutaMuseveni with the Global Peace Award in 2018 for his leadership in advancing peace efforts at national, regional and international levels. In 2024, the Foundation also launched the Family Festival, which attracted over 20,000 parents and 5,000 young people at Kololo Independence Grounds. The inaugural edition was graced by President Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, @JanetMuseveni.

Rest well, our beloved eldest uncle, Mzee Enos Katyokori, elder brother to my father and a true pillar of the Original Basingo of the Bizirirwa family of Kigarama, Kiyoora Ntungamo. You were not only an elder in age but an elder in spirit, guidance, and values.

Productive meeting with the ED NIRA, Mrs. Rosemary Kisembo, discussing ways to support ID registration for Ugandans in the diaspora, strengthen access to NIRA services abroad, and deepen collaboration between State House Diaspora Unit and NIRA. 🇺🇬🤝

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 On Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, the Deputy Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr. @HenryWabyona, accompanied by Mr @TopherMatsiko, the Liaison officer, received four Ugandan nationals, two adult women and two children, who safely returned home from India after more than a decade of distress and prolonged stay. The returnees are Ms Fiona Namuddu, Ms Rebecca Nakasaga, and two children aged eight and four years. They are among Ugandans who benefited from an Amnesty Scheme announced by the Government of India for foreign nationals who had overstayed their visas. The scheme allows affected individuals to exit India using an Expedited Exit Permit (EEP) without financial penalties during the period from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026. Through the intervention of the State House Diaspora Unit, working in close coordination with the Uganda High Commission in India (@UGHighCommND), the necessary travel documentation was secured and air tickets were facilitated to enable their safe return to Uganda. According to Mr Wabyona, “This is a humanitarian intervention aimed at restoring dignity, reuniting families, and giving our fellow citizens a fresh start in life. The two children, who were born in India, have not had access to formal education due to the circumstances they faced abroad. Government will work with relevant institutions and partners to explore appropriate support mechanisms for their reintegration.” This exercise demonstrates @GovUganda commitment to the welfare of Ugandans wherever they are. It also reflects the strong cooperation between Uganda and India in addressing migration and consular challenges. The mandate of the @StateHouseUg Diaspora Unit is to ensure that every Ugandan abroad is safe, visible, connected, engaged and empowered. Ugandans facing distress while abroad are encouraged to reach out to their respective missions or to the State House Diaspora Unit for guidance and support. Mr Wabyona thanked His Excellency President @KagutaMuseveni, the Uganda High Commission in India, and all partners who contributed to this successful return.

The Head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mr Mohammed Bagonza, together with representatives of the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations (NAUCA), held a strategic engagement with @dfcugroup at its headoffices in Nakasero to plan ahead of the inaugural NAUCA Convention scheduled for October 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. The meeting focused on exploring practical areas of collaboration through which DFCU Bank can better support Ugandans in the Canadian diaspora. Key discussions centred on tailored financial solutions, diaspora-friendly investment opportunities, and broader diaspora engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening economic linkages between Ugandans abroad and home. NAUCA was represented by Mr Justus Mirembe, President and Chairman of the Board, and Mr Moses A. Mawa (@mosesmawa), Director and Founding Member of the association. DFCU Bank was represented by Mr James Ochen, Head of Coverage – Corporate & Institutional Banking; Ms Joanita Male, Head of High Net-Worth Diaspora; and Ms Bridget Melissa Anitte, Diaspora Relationship Manager. The engagement was also attended by Mr @TopherMatsiko, Head of Liaison & Partnerships at the State House Diaspora Unit. #StateHouseDiasporaUnit

“Honored to participate in the aBi Development EYE-C Project—an initiative that will empower women in Gomba and neighboring districts with real employment opportunities and boost coffee production in our communities. Together, we’re building a more inclusive coffee value chain.”

Grateful to meet and learn from Mr. Robert Kabushenga today. His deep knowledge of coffee farming and the coffee value chain is truly inspiring. We agreed to keep engaging as we work toward getting the very best out of our coffee plantations. Excited for the journey ahead

@Nsimbiziwoome I tried once and you didn’t understand me …. That’s where I stopped.

@TopherMatsiko The most problem is that you don't want to engage your brother @Nsimbiziwoome 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤭💪💪💪

Grateful to the Anglican Coffee Mug Development Group (ACOMUDEG) for visiting Matsiko Agro Tourism Farm & Education Center. It was a joy hosting you. Our agronomist loved sharing good coffee-farming practices, and we appreciated learning from your team as well.