EQUITY BANK DIASPORA DRIVE! Ugandans In Kenya Urged To Build Wealth Back Home Through Cross-Border Investments
Claver Serumaga, Executive Director, Equity Bank Uganda, addresses participants during the Diaspora Investment Forum in Nairobi
Our Reporter
Ugandans living and working in Nairobi are being encouraged to look beyond remittances and embrace structured investments that enable them to build wealth back home while growing their businesses 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 in Uganda and the financial solutions available to support their ambitions.
“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,” said UGNET Chair Dr Phionah Atuhebwe.
Speaking at the forum, Equity Bank Uganda Executive Director Claver Serumaga said the Bank’s diaspora proposition was designed to support customers throughout their investment journey rather than focusing solely on money transfers.
“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. We are committed to building continuous partnerships with our diaspora communities through ongoing engagement and dedicated support.”
Beyond accessing financial services, building sustainable wealth requires deliberate investment decisions and financial discipline.
Delivering a keynote address, Richard Byarugaba, Equity Group Managing Director, Asset Management, urged participants to adopt disciplined wealth creation habits, including saving consistently, diversifying investments, matching investments to future goals and working with regulated institutions.
To translate these investment ambitions into action, Equity Bank Uganda showcased a range of financial solutions tailored to the needs of 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 capability, which allows customers to access funds, make transfers and bank across Equity’s regional footprint.
Senior Manager, International Banking and Cross-Border Payments, Winfred Warui, said customers could access accounts across markets where Equity operates while benefiting from competitive foreign exchange and international payment services.
“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.”
The forum also highlighted the importance of trusted institutions and strong bilateral relationships in enabling diaspora investments and regional economic integration.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Eunice Kigenyi, underscored the importance of secure investment pathways for Ugandans living abroad.
“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 for serving as a bridge between Ugandan and Kenyan business communities, helping diaspora members channel their earnings into productive investments both back home and in their host countries.
He recalled a similar engagement recently held in Kampala, where Kenyans living and working in Uganda were encouraged to move beyond traditional remittances and embrace structured investments as a pathway to long-term wealth creation.
He noted that such initiatives strengthen regional integration by connecting people, businesses, and opportunities across borders.
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