On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on new U.S. H-1B visa applications, effective September 21. This significant policy shift primarily impacts new applicants from abroad, while existing visa holders remain exempt, triggering immediate and profound effects on diaspora students, families, and professionals.

East African diaspora in the U.S. uniquely connect America’s advanced real estate and finance systems with East Africa’s rapidly growing markets. Real estate builds wealth and legacy, while finance drives opportunities. At EABN’s 20th Annual Conference, the panel “Building Tomorrow” explores cross-border investments shaping tomorrow’s growth and prosperity.

The creation of a diaspora bond marks a new era in diaspora capital deployment. Ugandans abroad increasingly recognize their potential to drive economic growth. With enhanced digital platforms, financial services, and supportive policies, the diaspora can now confidently invest in sectors like agriculture, technology, and real estate, strengthening Uganda’s development and community ties.

Across diaspora communities, the need for trusted, scam-free employment pathways is urgent. Nurses, technicians, and tradespeople face sponsorship losses, layoffs, and unethical employers. Too many fall prey to fake jobs and recruiters. Tukole Foundation’s Work-Bridge platform connects real people with genuine job referrals, fostering trust, dignity, and opportunity.

At Tukole Empathy, we focus on people, restoring dignity where systems fail, and giving voice to the silenced. The Mwagale Foundation, led by Joanita Ndagire, highlights the forced labor trafficking of Ugandan youth, especially young women, into the Middle East, advocating for safety and recovery for survivors in East Africa.

In the last year, the global development scene has changed significantly. The U.S., a vital partner for Africa, is scaling back its involvement. Aid funding is reduced, embassies shut or merge, and important trade initiatives lose focus. This gap presents the Diaspora Business Network with an opportunity, not a crisis, to step up.

The Diaspora Coffee Initiative is building a safety net and future for African farmers amid a severe coffee crisis. Despite falling global Arabica prices, rising costs and weak local currencies squeeze growers. This nonprofit empowers farmers with support, ensuring fair earnings and sustainable livelihoods while global corporations profit.

What if every Ugandan embassy worldwide became more than visa offices, transforming into vibrant showrooms for Ugandan products? This vision is now reality. Under Foreign Affairs, embassies serve as brand ambassadors and commercial hubs. Recent partnerships like with Uganda Breweries Ltd open global markets, offering TUKOLE members unparalleled access to international trade networks.

The Diaspora Resilience Series, titled "The Hidden Crises of Diaspora Life," addresses the challenges young Ugandans face abroad. By exploring the impact of the 4Ds—Death, Disability, Divorce, and Deportation—this series highlights the urgent need for community support systems. The TUKOLE 4D Lifeline embodies empathy and collective action, fostering resilience.

At the heart of every cultural group across the diaspora is a desire to preserve heritage, empower communities, and connect generations. Through initiatives focused on traditional dance, language preservation, and economic empowerment, these organizations carry out essential work. TUKOLE is committed to supporting and amplifying their efforts, helping them achieve even greater impact.

Applications for the Fall 2025 semester at TISSO are now open. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure consideration for admission. TISSO offers a wide range of programs designed to meet diverse academic interests and career goals. Explore your options and begin your educational journey today.