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Local tourists for mountain hiking at Midigo Mountain in Yumbe district last week. Photos/Robert Elema By Robert Elema Yumbe As preparations gather momentum for the West Nile Diaspora Convention scheduled for July 2026 in the United Kingdom, expectations are g
Local tourists for mountain hiking at Midigo Mountain in Yumbe district last week. Photos/Robert Elema
By Robert Elema
Yumbe
As preparations gather momentum for the West Nile Diaspora Convention scheduled for July 2026 in the United Kingdom, expectations are growing among leaders, entrepreneurs, and ordinary residents who see the event as a potential catalyst for economic transformation in the region.
The convention, themed “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in West Nile,” is expected to bring together hundreds of West Nile natives living abroad, investors, business leaders, policymakers, and development partners to explore ways of channeling investment into one of Uganda’s most strategically located regions.
For decades, West Nile has been known for its rich agricultural potential, vibrant culture, and resilient people. Yet despite its abundance of natural resources and entrepreneurial talent, the region continues to face challenges including youth unemployment, limited industrialization, and inadequate investment in key sectors.
Many stakeholders believe the upcoming diaspora convention presents an opportunity to change that narrative.
A region full of opportunity
West Nile’s location bordering South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo gives it access to regional markets with millions of consumers. This strategic position has long been viewed as an advantage for trade and commerce.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the regional economy. Farmers produce crops such as cassava, maize, groundnuts, beans, and fruits, yet much of the produce is sold in raw form.
Leaders say investment in Agro-processing could help farmers earn more while creating employment opportunities for young people.
“There is huge potential in value addition. Instead of exporting raw produce, investors can establish processing facilities that create jobs and increase incomes,” says Mr Fadhil Lemeriga, the Prime Minister for Aringa Cultural Institution.
“We are not taking advantage of our natural resources. Firstly, our land here isn’t being exploited to the fullest. We want the West Nile Diaspora to mobilize resources in terms of machinery, capital and the expertise such that the land of West Nile is put to right use,” he added.
He said they have enough arable land in the districts of Yumbe and Madi Okollo that can support huge agricultural projects that can result in the transformation and in turn provide jobs to the unemployed youth in the region.
Mr Moses Akuma Odims the Executive Director of WENDA said, they have struggled to coordinate as the Diaspora and back home and that they have succeeded in organizing two conventions.
He said, what is very unique with this year’s convention is that, the Diaspora community has identified a legacy project in the area of tourism and that they will support them in the construction of West Nile culture and history Museum in Arua city
“There are deliberations that have been going on and we think that they would be doing fundraising to the effect of raising resources that can support in the process of kickstarting this project here back home,” he said.
“But above all, the talk will be about general investment opportunities that exist in the region such as Mineral, Tourism, Education, Health, Agriculture sectors where we hope that the diaspora community will be interested in either doing joint ventures that they can invest in or attract investors from the countries where they stay to appreciate what is back home in west Nile,” he added.
Tourism waiting to be explored
The convention is also expected to highlight tourism opportunities in West Nile. From cultural heritage sites and traditional practices to unique landscapes and historical landmarks, the region possesses attractions that remain largely unknown to both domestic and international tourists.
Tourism stakeholders argue that increased investment in accommodation facilities, tourism services, and marketing could position West Nile as a major tourism destination.
Ms Elizabeth Amen, the Obongi District Tourism Officer said, West Nile has a lot of Tourism Potential that has been confirmed by the agencies like Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wild Life Authority.
She said, West Nile has more cultural activities than any other parts of the country because they have over 18 cultures in one place including the refugee presence of which Bidibidi refugee settlement being the biggest in the country/Africa.
“West Nile has a lot of potential with the recent coming of the Ajai game reserve and we have different mountains, water falls. Every kind of tourist who wants to come to West Nile has an opportunity to get a product,” she said.
She said, despite West Nile having all these potentials, it has inadequate tourism attractions even right from the entry to West Nile, it’s difficult due to bad roads.
“Ajai game reserve could have taken less time but it was delayed because of the bad roads. The accessibility of the available tourist sites is difficult due the poor road network and some of the tourist sites lack structures such as WASH facilities,” she said.
“Most of the tourist sites are underdeveloped but they have high potential. These sites can’t be developed by the government but the government is supposed to give an enabling environment for private investors to come and invest in this area,” she added.
Ms Amen appreciates the idea the West Nile Diaspora Community is coming up with in developing the tourism sector in the region because tourism is private sector driven and some of the tourism sites in other parts of the country have developed because of the support from the private sector.
Local tourists swimming and making fun at Agbinika water falls in river Kochi in Yumbe district. This water fall has the potential of producing hydroelectricity power but has remained undeveloped.
Expectations ahead of July 2026
As the convention date approaches, organizers are optimistic that it will strengthen links between the diaspora and communities back home.
Whether through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, education, healthcare, or technology, many believe the future of West Nile could be shaped by the partnerships and commitments that emerge from the July 2026 convention.
As stakeholders prepare to converge in the United Kingdom, one message remains clear: unlocking investment opportunities in West Nile is not just about attracting capital; it is about building a prosperous future for generations to come.
Dr Lazarus Anguvaa, the West Nile Diaspora Community Organising Committee Chairperson for the convention said, it’s going to be the third international West Nile Diaspora Convention, which will be held from 16-19th, July at the Leonard hotel, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
He said, this convention is organised by the West Nile Welfare and Development Association Uk (WNWDA), in collaboration with the West Nile Diaspora Community (WDC), the West Nile Development Association (WENDA), Madi Cultural and Development Association (MACDEF) and The West Nile Foundation (WNF).
Dr Anguvaa noted that, since its inception in 2024, the West Nile Diaspora Convention has grown into a vital platform for Dialogue, innovation and partnership, bringing together West Nilers across the globe with leaders, development actors and investors committed to shaping the future of the region.
He said, following the success of the inaugural convention in Stockholm in August 2024 and the second gathering in Washington DC in July 2025, the 2026 convention in Milton Keynes-UK represents a defining moment in their shared journey.
“Our theme- “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in West Nile” reflects the immense potential of the region at this moment in history. West Nile is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Uganda, South Sudan and the DR Congo, providing unparalleled access to the East African Community common market of over 330 million people,” he said.
He said, with improved infrastructure, expanded electricity supply, a dynamic population of 3.9million, and supportive government policies, West Nile stands ready to emerge as a competitive hub.
The convention is expected to convene a diverse community of stakeholders, Diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, policy makers, UK and Ugandan businesses, financial institutions, government representatives and development partners.
“Together we will explore high-potential sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, real estate, ICT and healthcare. Our goal is to translate dialogue into tangible partnerships, bankable projects and long-term investment frameworks that will catalyse sustainable growth,” Dr Anguvaa said.
“A key feature of the 2026 convention is the Strategic Legacy Project- the establishment of the West Nile Museum, information and cultural centre in Arua city. This landmark institution will document, preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history and achievements of the people of West Nile, while promoting tourism and education for future generations,” he added.
He said, the project represents their collective commitment to building a meaningful, lasting contribution for the region and that, to maximise participation, the convention will be delivered in a hybrid format, enabling West Nilers and stakeholders across the world and at home in West Nile to join virtually.