The Ugandan community in the United Kingdom and the greater European region held their first Annual Ugandan convention on the 27th of August 2011 at the luxurious Troxy and Rafayel Hotel on the banks of River Thames. The event was a great success with upto 1000 Ugandans showing up for the one day event. The event that had been in the offing for about a year, under the leadership of Willy Mutenza, finally came to fruition and Ugandans from all over the UK showed in big numbers to celebrate the major achievement. The Convention was graced with the presence of the Minisiter of Foreign Affairs, the Speaker of Parliament and several other dignitaries and business leaders from Uganda.
Guests of honour and keynote speakers included Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament and Maria Kiwanuka, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, plus a delegation of 13 iconic businessmen.
The Entertainment Featured Uganda’s celebrated artists including Bebe Cool, Eagles Production ~ Mesach Semakula, Catherine Kusasira (Enkola Ya Boda), Zuena, Eddy Kenzo.
Here are some photos from the 1st Ugandan Uk Convention: Entertainment and Fashion:
According to Mr. Willy Mutenza the vision bearer, event planner and also publisher of Promota Magazine, the UK convention aims at harnessing the tremendous skill, exposure, expertise and knowledge base of the Ugandan Diaspora with a view to promote socio-economic and infrastructural development back in Uganda, thus promoting, contributing, enhancing and sustaining economic growth in Uganda.
When asked about previous events/ideas that were short lived like the Uganda Business and Professionals Association[UBPA], Mr. Mutenza clarified on the issue by saying UBPA was an association that was limited to only professionals and business people, when he reviewed his commitment to this association he found out that the original objectives left out the interests of the common Ugandan, who is still looking for that idea or support to jump-start his dream.
Despite the many past challenges Mr. Mutenza together with his business partner Mr. William Lule have determined to make this convention an annual success. They are also convinced about the timing to host their very first UK-European Ugandan Convention. Some of the artists already lined up include Bebe Cool, Mesach Semakula (Eagles), Pastor Bugembe and Catherine Kusasira. Below is the link to the website and the objectives of the UK-European convention. Stay tuned on UNAA Times to learn more about registration and participation.
http://ugandanconventionuk.org
Popularity: 9% [?]
Its really a good idea that ugandans in Diaspora you thing about your homes countries and this shows nationalism at heart which is the best”alway west to east home is the best” .We keep in touch fellows.
Will ta gudlyfe boys be attending?
its beautiful that you guys werever you are you keep your country at heart. thats beautiful. i believe this will grow to even bigger levels never imagined before
THIS IS A GOOD IDEA BUT THE VENUE!!!E1 IS EAST LONDON AROUND WHITE CHAPEL WHICH IS NOT THE MOST…..LETS SAY PRESENTABLE AREA..I ATTENDED THE US DC ONE LAST AND I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE VENUE AND RESORT WORLD CLASS.
I AM WILLING TO ASSIST U IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE ABOUT THIS..I AM WELL INFORMED ABOUT THESE MATTERS AT THE RISK OF BEING POMPUS….
CONTACT ME..WELL DONE..AND I WILL SUPPORT U ALL THE WAY..
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
Dear Nellie
Allow me to reply your on behalf all of us Ugandan in London/UK. In East London lives more than 40% of Ugandans and this element was the determining factor why we chosen Troxy. Besides, Troxy is one of the best venues around London (www.troxy.co.uk) conducive for Ethnic events. 02 which was the 1st choice according to Mr. Mutenza were only allowing us from 5pm-11.45pm, proved not appropriate.
Let me not hope Nellie is basing his reasons on the class stigma associated to Ugandans East London. However I would like to assure him that the convention is for Ugandans of all class regardless, Olympic is held in East London, does this mean it is a sub-standard occasion…..
The concept of the convention is similar to the ne in USA but the ideals are different due to various elements and we are not here to compete but to learn from them.
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Why is it that complaining and criticizing has become such a part of Ugandan behaviour that we find it abundantly hard not to complain and criticize?
Why are we so eager to find fault?
Why do we look for the negative qualities about people and situations?
Why are we more often pessimistic than optimistic?
———————Food for thought——————–
Your comments have been noted.
There is a difference between constructive criticism and mere spewing negativity.
If you note, i started with saying this being a very good idea and ended with offering to assist you in anyway possible and saying well done, at the risk of sounding pompus
So lampooning and putting one in a box with a myriad of other Ugandans , in addition to jumping to class etc..without any other facts to indicate otherwise… is to say the very least jumping the Gun.
Moving on swiftly, where can those interested get more info…re: programme, events, detail etc…
FOR CLARITY WELL DONE, I/WE WILL SUPPORT YOU BUT I/WE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO EXPRESS OUR VIEWS WITHOUT LASHING OUT AND ALL SORTS OF ACCUSATIONS. A SIMPLE EXPLANATION WOULD HAVE SUFFICED. IT ILLUSTRATES AND HIGHLIGHTS SENSE OF SECURITY AND CONFIDENCE IN ONE’S ABILITY
It sounds a good idea to have our UK Convention. It is a good way of working together as a community to deal with issues that affect us as a nation. It’s also a possibility for people abroad to view the problems at home from a distance and unite to resolve them. With this I mean things like hospitals, schools, housing, water etc. NOT POLITICS.
I hope we will be focused, united and not distructed by politics.
The venue is not important at this stage (remember this is just the beginning), it’s the contents of the Convention that will either draw people together or divide them. Good luck.
kwemalafm.com gr8 job unaa just can’t wait 4 convention in the us kwemalafm will be live
Nellie, Just shut the f£8% up! Alright, help what ? And where were you when Mr. Mutanza was busy planning and organising the do. You cat weasel, Nellie. You cannot even help .