DIASPORA NEWS

In 2019, the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau announced a new initiative to enhance its focus on diversity and inclusion, making it more relevant in the community and more attractive to visitors. 

Cincinnati was responding to a study that showed that over the next two decades, the majority of new US travelers will be people of colour and varying nationalities. They then embarked on a destination marketing initiative, which has included, among others, an invitation to the Ugandan community visiting Cincinnati, a city in the state of Ohio.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton County in Cincinnati received 26 million visitors who generated over $5b (about sh18 trillion) in economic impact. Its economy is in decline, hence its aggressive new drive on a destination marketing campaign following the impact of the pandemic.

Among the communities that were reached out to was the Ugandan diaspora community, with an invitation to put on a cultural entertainment show at the Cincinnati Town Square. 

On Friday (September 3, 2021), the Uganda Embassy (Washington) and Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) sponsored the pictorial showcase and a cultural dance troupe, who thrilled the crowd with their beautiful performances. 

In his welcome statement to the audience, Jason Dunn, the vice-president of the Cincinnati Tourism Authority, said it was essential that Cincinnati connect communities of all backgrounds to the region.

Uganda's envoy to the US, Mull Katende, delivered greetings from the people of Uganda to the Cincinnati community whom he hailed for their warm welcome and generosity.

Katende said that recognizing each other's cultural diversity strengthens rather than weakens communities.

Endiro coffee and Coffee City on display

Ambassador Katende engages members of the Ugandan diaspora participating in the town square exhibition