The 7th Uganda Canada Convention, held at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel and organized by Ronnie Mayanja, CEO of the Uganda Diaspora Network and Coordinator of the event, presented a wealth of opportunities for Ugandans in trade, tourism, investment, agribusiness, education, healthcare, and more.
The convention offered information on Diaspora banking, mortgage financing, venture capital, supporting Diaspora SMEs, and money transfer options. Additionally, government representatives from NIRA and Internal Affairs (Immigration Control) provided services to Ugandans, including national identification cards, passport renewal, and dual citizenship registration.
The Chief Guest, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Ruth Joy Aceng, highlighted the strong ties between the two countries and encouraged Ugandans to leverage the vast opportunities available in “The Pearl of Africa.”
“We closed the 7th Uganda Canada Trade and Tourism Convention,” Ambassador Aceng stated, “and I reminded our diaspora that they are the best ambassadors for Uganda, because they know their country so well.”
Former State Minister for Trade, Hon. Harriet Ntabazi, praised the strong bilateral ties between Uganda and Canada, bolstered by the exchange of goods, services, tourism, and investment. She also emphasized Uganda’s ongoing efforts to explore new markets.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, stressed the importance of unity among Ugandans living abroad.
“The diaspora is a powerful asset for any country,” Ambassador Walusimbi said. “There’s an urgent need to refocus on non-political, non-confrontational activities, prioritizing work and African unity to deliver for Uganda and Africa at large, as stipulated by the African Union 6th Region and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”
He also revealed a government initiative for diaspora mapping and benchmarking to address issues affecting Ugandan communities globally. Ambassador Walusimbi appealed to Ugandans abroad to support, cooperate, and participate, as this information will be crucial in formulating diaspora policies.
Mohammed Bagonza, a Senior Presidential Advisor, emphasized the importance of matching ideas and concepts from Ugandans in the Diaspora with existing government initiatives and programs. This, he added, would help harness the full potential of the diaspora to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
The CEO of the Uganda Diaspora Network and Coordinator of the Uganda Canada Convention, Ronnie Mayanja, thanked the Ugandan government and community members for supporting the initiative. He noted that the annual Uganda Diaspora Social Networking Gala & Business Breakfast will continue to present opportunities for the economic and social growth of all Ugandans.
The vibrant event attracted over 300 attendees from Uganda and around the globe, culminating in a dinner and entertainment featuring cultural dance troupes.
