Ugandan families, friends of Uganda, and local government officials in Maryland gathered for the start of Independence Month celebrations in the United States. The event, organized in collaboration between the Embassy and the community, took place at the Fairland Recreational Park in Burtonsville, MD. Uganda will mark its 61st Independence Day on October 9, 2023.
H.E. Ambassador Robie Kakonge and embassy staff joined the Ugandan community in the Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania areas for the Annual Uganda Independence Day Community Picnic and a friendly soccer match.
During the gathering, Ambassador Kakonge expressed gratitude to the Ugandan community for their outstanding reputation, noting their warm and peace-loving nature. She emphasized that the diaspora is a priority development area for the Government of Uganda and encouraged Ugandans to collaborate on business growth and find innovative ways to contribute to their home country’s economy.
The community also received information from representatives of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, who encouraged them to take an interest in the candidates running in the US midterm elections, highlighting the importance of community recognition for effective representation.
Local government officials from Montgomery County, including Dr. Antwan C. Brown, Administrative Director of Middle Eastern American Affairs and African Affairs of Maryland, shared insights on available opportunities and resources for residents. They urged community members to engage in community service and contribute to local development and politics.
The event featured the presence of US army officers of Ugandan descent, Lt. Simon Sekitoleko and Lt. Col. Frank Musisi, who accompanied the US Coast Guard outreach team. They provided information about opportunities in the United States Army and Coast Guard for the Ugandan diaspora.
As a highlight of the day, Ambassador Robie Kakonge officiated the launch of “The Odyssey of the Nubi,” an autobiography by 2nd DPM Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali. The book details the struggles of the Nubi Community as minorities, their challenges, and their journey to full recognition under the 1995 Constitution.
The evening concluded with a friendly soccer match between the “Uganda Cranes” and “Liberia,” with Uganda emerging victorious with a score of 6-2.
