News
Ugandans in UK conclude independence celebrations, launch emergency fund
While launching the fund, Hasifa Nabale, the chairperson of Ugandans living in Bristol, challenged members to remain united, support each other and be proud of their heritage.
Nina Mbabazi (second-right) and Rubombora (Second-left) and Ugandans living in UK cutting cake on Saturday.
By: Sam Wakhakha, Journalist @New Vision
BRISTOL CITY - A week after hoisting their national flag outside the Bristol city hall on Independence Day (October 9), hundreds of Ugandans living in the southwest of the UK gathered in the Shirehampton Public Hall in Bristol city on Saturday for the climax of the celebration of their country’s 64 years of self-rule.
During a dinner presided over by Nina Mbabazi Rukikaire, the First Secretary at the Uganda High Commission in London, over 600 Ugandans hailing from all regions of the country celebrated not only their heritage, but also discussed the development of their motherland and went ahead to launch an emergency fund to extend financial assistance to members during times of hardship.
While launching the fund, Hasifa Nabale, the chairperson of Ugandans living in Bristol, challenged members to remain united, support each other and be proud of their heritage.
Ugandans in Bristol listening to speeches.
“Today, my heart is filled with gratitude, pride, and admiration as I reflect on what we achieved together during our Uganda Independence Celebration. There is an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ This year's celebration was a powerful reminder that when a community stands united, there is no challenge too great and no goal beyond reach. What we witnessed was not simply an event. It was the coming together of people with a shared vision, a shared heritage, and a shared commitment to making our community stronger.
In her speech, Mrs Rukikaire, who was the chief guest, hailed Ugandans living in the UK for being united and encouraged them to take part in the development of their country whenever they get chance to do so. She particularly encouraged Ugandans living in the UK to woo investors to their motherland.
“In case you come across anyone who is willing to invest in Uganda, please reach out to us at the Uganda High Commission; we shall support you accordingly,” she said.
Also in attendance were High Court Judge Fatuma Nanziri and Uganda Airlines country director Monica Rubombora.
Rubombora encouraged Ugandans in the UK to always fly with their national airline, especially as they return to Uganda at the end of the year.
“We have the youngest fleet in the world with very comfortable aircraft. Our tickets for December are fully booked. They were booked out in June this year. You have an opportunity to book your ticket up to nine months in advance. The tickets are very well priced,” she said before handing a free Gatwick-Entebbe ticket to Rosette Nakanjako, a Ugandan who won it during a raffle draw at the dinner.
Diaspora Emergency Fund
While launching the emergency fund, Nathan Namatati, the vice-chairperson of Ugandans in Bristol and South West of England, said the fund has been designed to provide support for members during times of unexpected crisis.
“It is a safety net for Ugandans in Bristol and southwest of England. All that one has to do is register and pay £10 (sh53,000) per month. When faced with an unexpected emergency. We shall help members during times of bereavement, housing challenges, hospital emergencies and plane tickets, where Uganda Airlines is our partner,” he said.
Rubombora encouraged Ugandans in the UK to always fly with their national airline, especially as they return to Uganda at the end of the year.
Children's perform a traditional dance
“We have the youngest fleet in the world with very comfortable aircraft. Our tickets for December are fully booked. They were booked out in June this year. You have an opportunity to book your ticket up to nine months in advance. The tickets are very well priced,” she said before handing a free Gatwick-Entebbe ticket to Rosette Nakanjako, a Ugandan who won it during a raffle draw at the dinner.
Diaspora Emergency Fund
While launching the emergency fund, Nathan Namatati, the vice-chairperson of Ugandans in Bristol and South West of England, said the fund has been designed to provide support for members during times of unexpected crisis.
“It is a safety net for Ugandans in Bristol and southwest of England. All that one has to do is register and pay £10 (sh53,000) per month. When faced with an unexpected emergency. We shall help members during times of bereavement, housing challenges, hospital emergencies and plane tickets, where Uganda Airlines is our partner,” he said.
Children impress guests
During the event, children took charge of major activities, including Tobin Bwayo, who was the MC alongside comedian George Mulindwa aka Afande Kerekere. The children, some of whom have never set foot in Uganda, thrilled the audiences with traditional performances such as the Kiganda Bakisimba traditional dance, a Uganda-themed fashion show and a menu full of local cuisines.
They were trained to perform by Joeria Muwada, who is one of the mothers and general secretary of the association.
The children were the ushers for the night, and guests who interacted with them thanked their parents for instilling Ugandan values and patriotism in the youngsters despite being raised in the Diaspora.
Eleven-year-old Bwayo put the Uganda Airlines team on the spot with questions about the frequency of their flights to the UK.
“Uganda Airlines has two long-haul Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, named Mount Elgon and Mount Rwenzori. Tobin knew them both by name and wanted me to explain the difference between them! Then he turned his attention to our CEO, Girma Wake, and subjected him to what sounded like a full performance review!
His questions were so sharp that I started wondering whether he’d been secretly appointed to the Uganda Airlines Board!
He wanted to know why we use Rolls-Royce engines, why we were buying Boeings instead of Airbus, and how ready we were for the Accra launch next week!” the Uganda Airlines Entebbe-Gatwick route manager, Monica Rubombora, said. And the best part? Tobin wants to become a pilot and fly for Uganda Airlines one day,” she said.
During the event, children took charge of major activities, including Tobin Bwayo, who was the MC alongside comedian George Mulindwa aka Afande Kerekere. The children, some of whom have never set foot in Uganda, thrilled the audiences with traditional performances such as the Kiganda Bakisimba traditional dance, a Uganda-themed fashion show and a menu full of local cuisines.
They were trained to perform by Joeria Muwada, who is one of the mothers and general secretary of the association.
Nina Mbabazi delivers her speech as Namatati (centre) and Nabale listen.
The children were the ushers for the night, and guests who interacted with them thanked their parents for instilling Ugandan values and patriotism in the youngsters despite being raised in the Diaspora.
Eleven-year-old Bwayo put the Uganda Airlines team on the spot with questions about the frequency of their flights to the UK.
“Uganda Airlines has two long-haul Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, named Mount Elgon and Mount Rwenzori. Tobin knew them both by name and wanted me to explain the difference between them! Then he turned his attention to our CEO, Girma Wake, and subjected him to what sounded like a full performance review!
His questions were so sharp that I started wondering whether he’d been secretly appointed to the Uganda Airlines Board!
He wanted to know why we use Rolls-Royce engines, why we were buying Boeings instead of Airbus, and how ready we were for the Accra launch next week!” the Uganda Airlines Entebbe-Gatwick route manager, Monica Rubombora, said. And the best part? Tobin wants to become a pilot and fly for Uganda Airlines one day,” she said.