Diaspora Gala 2019 Edition | The 9th Annual Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Gala in Pictures!

The 9th Annual Uganda Diaspora Social Networking Gala and Business Breakfast were held at Kampala Serena Hotel’s – Katonga Hall on Friday December 27th and Saturday December 28th. 

The breakfast moderated by Veteran NBS anchor and BBC Komla Dumor Award winner Mr. Solomon Serwanjja was a sell-out that attracted a cross-section of Diaspora community members and key stakeholders from both government and the private sector. It was also broadcast LIVE on NBS Television and attracted a sizable audience across various social media platforms. The business breakfast was co-sponsored by Uganda Investment Authority. 

Following a successful breakfast meeting the night before, it was then time to experience the social networking gala on 28th December that kicked off with a cocktail hour sponsored by Nile Breweries, Premier Distillers and Pepsi Uganda. The emcee of the evening was the Satirical Comedian Daniel Omara who wasted no time engaging his audience in jokes that summarized the year 2019.

Among the highlights this year was Robert Katende’s book launch – A Knight Without a Castle: A Story of Resilience and Hope. The book chronicles the story of how Robert’s life inspired the Disney Movie, Queen of Katwe and how his Initiative continues to transform lives.

This year’s Keynote was presented by Lt. Col. Dr. Ivan Edwards born at Mengo Hospital and the highest-ranking Ugandan in the US Armed Forces. He spoke about the need to change the mindset of Ugandans as the only way to improve society. He encouraged leaders especially those in churches to empower their followers by creating ideas that create wealth instead of attending endless night prayers. 

This year’s list of Diaspora Award recipients included Dr. Lawrence Muganga an Award-winning writer, author, researcher, educator based in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Dr. Muganga’s new book You Can’t Make “Fish Climb Trees”, clinched a USD$1.3 million book deal with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Uganda Diaspora Network was happy to recognize Dr. Muganga’s Contribution to reform the Education sector in Africa.

Another recognition went to Joram Muzira — The New force on Uganda’s modeling landscape. Who has groomed over five models currently working internationally, including Aamito Stacie Lagum who is best known for being the winner of the first season of Africa’s Next Top Model, Patricia Akello, and Paul Mwesigwa. For his efforts in changing the face of Uganda’s  modeling scene we decided to recognize Joram since fashion forms a central role in our annual Diaspora Homecoming events. 

Veteran NBS Anchor and Uganda’s investigative reporter Solomon Sserwanja, who was also this year’s winner of the 2019 BBC Africa Komla Dumor Award was recognized for inspiring the next generation of reporters. 

Haliima Namakula — Diaspora Returnee and Philanthropist whose work through music and drama have effectively helped reduce teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS and spearhead a campaign to end Fistula in Ugandan communities was also recognized.

For his role in creating a platform that allows kids in the diaspora to learn their mother tongues (a luganda learning app) Solomon Jagwe — Animator and creator of the Nkoza & Nankya series (www.nkozaandnankya.com/mobileapp) was also recognized in absentia. His mom and fellow animator Bruno received his award.

For entertainment this year it was a mixed grill of both the past and present music. The evening started off with Afrigo band setting the mood through their timeless classics. Moses Matovu’s Saxophone was on hand for the melodious tunes as dinner was served.

Other guest appearances included Kenneth Mugabi, All Eyes on US – East Africa has got talent 3rd runner’s up,  Teacher Mpamiire Comedy and a fashion show led by Paris based Ms. Stella Atal and headlined by Judith Heard on the catwalk.

As part of the highlights this year the Uganda Canada Convention was represented by Mr. Justus Mirembe the Canada Convention Co-Chair and a UNAA Council member representing Canada spoke about the need to register for both the Canada Convention in Toronto and UNAA Convention in San Francisco next year – (www.unaaonline.org)

  On his part Dr. James Lutaaya CEO of the Migrate to Canada Group spoke about Citizenship by Investments and the frequent mistakes made by applicants looking to immigrate to Canada.  The 4th Annual Uganda Canada Business Breakfast and Convention will be held on Canada Day Weekend from 3rd – 5th July 2020. (www.ugandacanadaconvention.com)

The evening was closed out by Afrigo band performing their crowd favorites LIVE led by Moses Matovu, Joanita Kawaalya, Rachel Magoola, Eddy Yawe and their entire dance troupe.

As the evening ended this went down as one of the best Diaspora events in the recent past according to some of the revelers present. We hope to see a bigger event next year when Uganda Diaspora Network celebrates its 10th Anniversary. A very special thank-you to the diaspora community for coming out and to all our sponsors/Partners for the financial support that allows us to organize this event annually. For God and Our Country. Below are some of the highlights in pictures….