We would like to thank each and everyone of you that came out to support the celebration of our fellow Ugandans, at the Serena Hotel, on December 29th, during the First Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Event. You made the event a great success. Thanks to all our Sponsors who supported us financially and in Kind, thank you PIBID/Tooke for a delicious Dinner, and to Orange for their Platinum sponsorship. We appreciate the support and partnership offered by the Uganda Investment Authority and the Diaspora Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thanks to all our Entertainers and Fashion Designers, your participation made the event so beautiful. Thank you Stella Atal for the Decorations and Fenon Entertainment for the sound and lighting. We had a wonderful time and we were honored to have you all as our guests. We welcome you to join us again this year for the 2nd Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Event in December as part of the 6th Home is Best Summit.
In her opening remarks to the attendees, the Ugandan Diaspora Patron Prof. Dr. Maggie Kigozi welcomed the diaspora community to the first Social Networking event. The chief guest at the function was Uganda’s Vice President, His excellence Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi who reiterated the government’s position on the continued support for Diaspora affairs. Other speakers included, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador James Mugume who informed his audience that in recognition of the Diaspora constituency and it’s value to Uganda, the Ministry had established a one stop center called the Diaspora Unit headed by Ms. Bati Kawooya to cater for the Diaspora needs.
Katwsi Alibaruho's Dad and Mom receive his recognition.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the various honorees who have made outstanding achievements in the Diaspora. Among these was Mr. Kwatsi Alibaruho, the first African American to lead a mission into space as NASA’s Flight Director, who was represented by his parents Mr. George and Gloria Alibaruho.
Lady Justice Julia Sebutinde who was recently voted to the International Court of Justice bench becoming the very first African Woman to achieve that position.
Dr. Shaka Ssali, the Managing Editor of Voice of America’s [VOA] English to Africa Service and the host of Straight Talk which airs on WBS Television every Wednesday at 9:30. Captain Lukiah Mulumba, an active member in the US Air Forces was recognized for her contribution and role in helping create awareness of the Sickle Cell disease in Uganda while actively serving in the US Air force.
A touching moment with Captain Lukiah talking about the support her Dad had given her through Education and love.
Though absent, Bishop John Tucker Sentamu, who is the second most powerful clergyman in the Anglican Communion was also honored for his role as leading spiritual leader today.
Dr. Munini Mulera a regular columnist with the Monitor Newspaper got recognised for his contribution in the field of Pediatric Health in Toronto, Canada.
Another Medical doctor who has made a difference in the field of Public Health was Dr. Sarah Matovu in whose house the first UNAA Meeting was held in the State of Georgia.
Mr. Derreck Kayongo one of the top 10 finalists at this year’s 2011 CNN-Heroes was also among the people celebrated and his family was able to recieve his award.
Omega Bugembe Okello an accomplished Musician also got recognised for her contribution in the field of art and music. Rose Nanyonga though absent and doing a PHD at Yale University was recognised for her work in helping start the Nursing School at International Hospital Kampala.
Xenson showcasing his Art and Fashion Design
The evening was also full of exceptional entertainment that saw designers like Kironde Katasi, Solome Katongole, Stella Atal and Xenson showcase some of their best fashions for 2012. Among the performers that took to the stage were Qwela Band, Omega Bugembe, Nick Nola, Michael Ross, Cecca Mutumba a reggae artist based in stockholm sweden. US based DJs Bernarzo from Maine and DJD from Maryland were on hand to spin the wheels of steel.
Omega Bugembe Okello gave a riveting performance from her Gospel and World Album. She serenaded her husband to great applause.
Here are some more photo highlights from the Social Networking event Dinner. We look forward to a great event this year and welcome all of you to join us in Celebrating Uganda’s success stories abroad and at home. Be sure to register to receive a Free copy of the Ugandan Diaspora Magazine featuring many more stories from the Diaspora.
January 15, 2012 at 2:25 am
I would like to thank everyone who putted in more effort to organize this occasion of Uganda Daspora to occur.
Thanks for recognize those people because they have played a big part by helping others and even promoting their talents
January 17, 2012 at 2:45 am
Ugandan Diaspora!!!
Thank you sooo much for everything you do. I have enjoyed reading the different articles and the photographs, I love the videos, the colors are absolutely A++++. I love your STYLE period!!
I cannot believe that Ugandans like yourselves are the ones that have put together what I think is a must read. You make us super proud!! Thank you, thank you for creating such wonderful work.
I am hooked and feel good about it!
January 28, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Thanks Solomon. Will be there this year
March 10, 2012 at 8:10 am
Ronnie your innovativeness acumen and your charisma to see things through was more than ever before exhibited in the success of this Uganda diaspora net working session.
We look forward to seeing it yearly with unprecedented betterment.
June 27, 2012 at 5:15 am
Can u send me some links for hotels near the convention centre
July 31, 2012 at 10:36 pm
[...] We launched the Ugandan Diaspora Network and were able to successfully host a colorful and well attended First Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Gala, held at Kampala Serena Hotel and presided over by His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. We were extremely humbled by many of our accomplished honorees and guests who flew from all over the world to be at this inaugural event. These included Dr. Shaka Ssali, Lady Justice Julia Ssebutinde, Dr. Munini Mulera, Captain Lukiya Mulumba, Dr. Sarah Matovu and NAACP nominee Omega Bugembe, to mention but a few. Our second Diaspora social networking gala will be held at Kampala Serena hotel on 30th December 2012. [See link below] http://www.ugandandiaspora.com/ugandan-diaspora-social-networking-gala-2011-photo-highlights-thank-y... [...]
August 8, 2012 at 6:03 am
This initiative is highly recommended!Thank you guys!Had expected to attend the UNAA Convention but seems may not make it…as some one in charge of Labour issues in Uganda, there is lots that we can do this December…please let us know how we can synergize!
AC/Labour Inspectorate
September 2, 2012 at 11:33 am
[...] The Guvnor, exclusive for patrons aged 25 and above, is fenced off with beautifully aligned lights. Its serenity continues indoors with a spacious bar. Among its outstanding features, the Guvnor has a LED [light-emitting diode] dance floor, the first in Uganda. The dance floor allows live video feed; for example, the DJ can display logos of companies or play music videos for musicians as patrons dance away. On December 30th Guvnor- Uganda will be the official After Party venue for the Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Gala. Here is a link from last year’s highlights. www.ugandandiaspora.com http://www.ugandandiaspora.com/ugandan-diaspora-social-networking-gala-2011-photo-highlights-thank-y... [...]
October 18, 2012 at 8:23 pm
byemukola birungi nnyo nnyo naye nganze atasoma naakola ntya okubitegeera
ngabuli kimu mukyakikolera mu nnimi zabafuzi b’Amatwale temulinayo lulimi lwonna luva mu uganda lwemuyinza kutunnyonnyoleramu bintu bino netubitegeera? Enjegere z’Abanyunyusi zikyatumyumyula? nandigadde nnyo okubeera mu serena nga30 dec naye natula muli nga kifananyi .munatukyusizaamu nga bwebakola munkiiko eziri ku mutindo?mu lumu ku nnimi enzaliranwa?Eno gyendi buli lwebambuza nti mwogera lulimi ki nti Lungereza ,bambuza nti muli Bangereza obatemwefuganga muli mu nkwawa za Bungereza a aaaa twefuga dda emyaka 50 agayise!!!!