Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, is set to represent President Yoweri Museveni at the 3rd Convention of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA).
The convention is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday August 2nd and Sunday Rd, 2025, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.
The event, themed “Building and Empowering Our Communities for a Better Future,” will see the minister stand in as the Guest of Honor in place of the President.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Barugahara highlighted the pride the Ugandan government feels towards the diaspora community in Southern Africa, recognizing their efforts in fostering unity and driving national progress.
He extended special thanks to the organizing team, led by COUSA President Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, Chairman Dr. Daniel Echun, and Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, for their remarkable work in uniting Ugandans and showcasing the nation globally.
The convention promises to be a significant gathering, bringing together the Ugandan community in South Africa to strengthen ties and promote development initiatives.
About COUSA
The Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA) has been actively involved in several initiatives aimed at uniting and empowering the Ugandan diaspora in the region.
Established as a non-profit organization in 2018, COUSA serves as an umbrella body for Ugandan associations across Southern African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
Its primary goals include fostering unity, promoting trade, investment, tourism, and increasing remittances to Uganda, while ensuring the diaspora’s inclusion in national development discussions.
Key initiatives include:
- Annual Conventions: COUSA organizes annual conventions to bring together Ugandans for dialogue, networking, and cultural celebration. The 3rd Annual Convention, scheduled for August 2-3, 2025, in Johannesburg, focuses on “Building and Empowering Our Communities for a Better Future.” Past events, such as the 2024 convention in Pretoria under the theme “Celebrating Ugandan Excellence and Development Solutions,” have emphasized economic empowerment and strategic networking. These gatherings facilitate collaboration between community members, professionals, business leaders, and policymakers.
- Economic Empowerment and Investment: COUSA provides a platform to explore investment avenues, business partnerships, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The organization aims to enhance enterprise development and promote trade between Uganda and Southern Africa, encouraging diaspora contributions to Uganda’s economy through remittances and investments.
- Community Engagement and Support: COUSA acts as a link between Ugandans in Southern Africa and the Ugandan government, addressing diaspora needs and advocating for their inclusion in national development. It has supported initiatives like the Diaspora High Achievers Awards, launched to recognize outstanding contributions within the community, starting with the 2024 convention.
- Cultural and Social Unity: The organization promotes the sharing and preservation of Ugandan culture, providing a rallying point for associations to network and celebrate their heritage. This includes addressing challenges faced by the diaspora, such as xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and advocating for support from both host governments and Uganda.
- Partnerships and Sponsorships: COUSA collaborates with entities like the Uganda High Commission and private organizations (e.g., Equity Bank Uganda) to expand its reach. Sponsorship opportunities at conventions offer visibility and engagement with the diaspora, aligning brands with COUSA’s mission of community development.