Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, Stephen Mubiru, discussed cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement in a podcast interview at Laniz Media Studios GmbH in Munich, joined by Mohammad Bagonza, Head of the Diaspora Unit at State House Kampala, and hosted by the studio’s Chief Executive Officer, Noosh Kevins Lumu.
The discussion centered on strengthening cultural and economic cooperation between Uganda and Germany, drawing on the momentum of the inaugural Uganda Cultural and Tourism Festival, held 26–28 June 2026 in Munich. Organised by the Embassy of Uganda in Germany, the three-day festival showcased the country’s culture, tourism offerings, and investment opportunities on a scale with no precedent in Germany. Officials have indicated plans to make it an annual event promoting Uganda’s heritage, tourism, and trade potential across Germany and Europe.
Mubiru told the podcast that Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage presents significant opportunities for expanding cooperation in sectors including tourism, infrastructure, trade, and the creative industries. He framed cultural diplomacy as a powerful bridge for strengthening bilateral relations while opening new avenues for business partnerships and investment — a point that echoed his remarks at the festival itself, where he said the event marked the first time the embassy had brought together Uganda’s culture, tourism potential, business opportunities, and diaspora community under one platform.
The ambassador encouraged both countries to continue showcasing their respective cultural traditions, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and build lasting partnerships in support of mutual economic growth and sustainable development.
Bagonza used the discussion to commend the Ugandan diaspora in Germany for its ongoing contribution to national development, calling on Ugandans abroad to engage more actively with opportunities tied to the country’s economic transformation. He described the diaspora as a key partner in promoting Uganda’s image, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and strengthening international networks.
The podcast was part of the broader programme surrounding the festival, which President Yoweri Museveni officially opened on 26 June, and underscored stakeholders’ commitment to growing the event into an annual platform for promoting Uganda’s culture, tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Germany and across Europe.
