Engaging Diasporas as Active Partners
Moses Wasswa Mulimira
chair
The Uganda Diaspora Health Network
(http://www.butabikaeastlondon.com/our-activities/diasporagroup.aspx)
East London Foundation Trust
Millharbour ward
Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit
Tower Hamlets Centre For Mental Health
Mile End Hospital
London
E1 4DG
Work Tel: 02081215055
Mobile:07949812337 or 07828060143
Email; moses.mulimira@hotmail.co.uk or moses.mulimira@eastlondon.nhs.uk
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Objective
• This presentation aims to update about
existing practices of diasporas and to
enlighten those engaged in formulating
health projects to engage diasporas as
active partners
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Who are the Diaspora
• a definition of “diaspora” is proposed as:
“members of ethnic and national
communities, who have left, but maintain
links with, their homelands” (Ionescu,2006).
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British influence in Uganda , A Brief History:
•Britain has had a presence in Uganda since 1877 Members of the British Missionary Society arrive in
Buganda.
•Other key dates include; 1894 - Uganda becomes a
British protectorate. 1962 - Uganda becomes
independent.
•The long-term experience and focus on mutuality
has enabled Britain to build strong relationships
with generations of government leaders, policy
makers and the general public in Uganda.
•Cultural influence; English is one of the official
languages in Uganda.
Did these shared experiences lead Migrations of
Ugandans to UK?
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UGANDAN COMMUNITY IN THE UK
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GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND SIZE OF THE
UGANDAN COMMUNITY IN THE UK
• limited information available on Ugandan immigrants in the UK,
for any official data on the size and distribution of the
community.
• The estimated figures are between 300,000 and 750,000
Ugandans in the UK. This includes Asian-Ugandans who came
to Britain after they were expelled from Uganda by the Idi Amin
Era (the International Organization for Migration, 2006). Others
include; students, refugees or asylum seekers, and others that
have come to the UK for varied reasons and ended up staying .
• According to information available on Ugandan immigrants in
the UK, 85% of the Ugandan community lives in London and
the rest is widely dispersed across the UK.
• In London, the highest concentration of Ugandans is in Forest
Gate and Mitchum
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How should we Harness Diaspora Energy and Skills in health
Alliances? A Successful example;
•
The Butabika Link- East London NHS Foundation Trust in consultation with The
Uganda Diaspora health Network UK, has managed to successfully plan and
develop health projects in Uganda .
•
the consultation with The Uganda Diaspora community – has led to bridging the
transnational space for local knowledge of what works and hence Improved its
effectiveness in implementing projects in Uganda.
•
The Butabika Link- East London NHS Foundation Trust in consultation with The
Uganda Diaspora health Network UK has made easier for both lobbying and
advocating for access to health care, disability rights and human rights. a common
cause in the partnership.
•
•
The Butabika Link- East London NHS Foundation Trust in consultation with The
Uganda Diaspora health Network UK has made easier to access relevant health
care & other skills plus local knowledge which benefits the host and home
countries ( Uganda Diaspora health network possess a range of skills including;
medical, nursing, other clinical skills, IT, finance, management, advocacy).
A source of Fundraising for identified projects and needs.
•
Hospitality role for visit exchanges in alliances.
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What challenges remain?
What are the issues to
think about generally.
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The global health funding context
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Government policies are needed to increase Diaspora
engagement with healthcare sector in Uganda.
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Lack of understanding of Uganda
healthcare system
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Training and capacity building of
Diaspora groups
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Complex cultural issues i.e. liberal vs conservative views
on gender roles, sexuality etc.
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identifying priorities/ hierarchy of need for local
population
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Affordable travel ,security and health insurance
plans
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Diasporas at the crossroads of
interests
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Monitoring and Evaluation of Work of
Diaspora groups (Competence )
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Lessons learnt
• Partnerships with Diaspora groups can
have a significant impact in healthcare
provision .
• Diaspora groups provide a chance for
brain gain and ease brain drain.
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Acknowledgements
• Uganda Diaspora Health Network Butabika Link members
• East London NHS Foundation Trust.
• Dr Katy Robjant & Mr Cerdic Hall, coordinators of East London NHS
Foundation Trust global health.
http://www.butabikaeastlondon.com/
• Maura Buchanan, Director, Uganda UK Health
Alliance
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References
•
•
•
Ionescu, D. (2006) Engaging Diasporas as Development Partners for Home and
Destination Countries: Challenges for Policymakers (IOM Migration Research Series
Paper No. 26) (International Organization for Migration, 2006).
BBC News - Ugandan Asians: Life 40 years on www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa19066465.
The International Organization for Migration (2006) cited at;
www.iomlondon.org/doc/mapping/IOM_UGANDA.pdf.
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