On December 29th, 2011, and for the very first time in our Uganda’s history, the immense contribution to the Pearl of Africa from those Ugandans living outside The Motherland will be officially recognized.
The Uganda Investment Authority, the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ugandans in the Diaspora, will celebrate together in the first ever Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking Event.
Interacting at the event will be Ugandans who have settled all over the world; and their compatriots who live at home. Experiences between the two groups will not be limited to any specific theme – but with the recognition that remittances from abroad are the second largest source of financial resources to Uganda. This constituency is also a major contributor to diaspora tourism and real estate developments in and around Kampala.
According to the New Vision newspaper, an August 2010 report indicates that in 2008, remittences amounted to about $ 723 m [approx. 5% of Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP)].
In addition to this, Ugandans in the Diaspora are entrepreneurs, diplomats, tourists, academicians, agents of technology transfer and also, philanthropists. In this way, the Diaspora Social Networking Event will celebrate the Ugandan expatriate workforce as a theme by bringing their expertise, ideas and talent to a formal forum where an evening of entertainment will envelop the award ceremony. Social Media and live video streaming will ensure that those who cannot make it from the Diaspora are present in both body and soul.
The entertainment will feature some of Uganda’s best Fashion designers living in the Diaspora, Models and entertainment groups – Local artistes like Isaiah Katumwa, Nick Nola, Charlie King, Terry Devos, Perfect Generation, Swahili Nation as well as Diaspora artists like Zani, Okai and Pssozi will be in attendance. Steve Jean’s Fenon Entertainment – will provide the quintessential backdrop at the Serena Hotel’s Victoria Hall.
This event is slated for December 29, 2011 at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.
Tickets will be on sale to the general public for 60,000/=.
Patron
Dr. Maggie Kigozi,
Former Executive Director, Uganda Investment Authority
Government Liaison
Bati Kawooya,
Head of the Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Event Planner
Ronnie Mayanja
Uganda Diaspora Incorporated
Media Manager: Solomon W. Jagwe
Coordinator and Uganda Liaison: Doris Miti
United Kingdom Liaison: Willy Mutenza