September 1, 2008: I am back in Toronto
Sep 02, 2008
The just concluded Uganda North America Association (UNAA) convention in Orlando, Florida marked a milestone by celebrating twenty years of existence. At the closing gala dinner banquet Sunday night at the World Center Marriott, various speakers that included UNAA past presidents echoed the theme o
The just concluded Uganda North America Association (UNAA) convention in Orlando, Florida marked a milestone by celebrating twenty years of existence. At the closing gala dinner banquet Sunday night at the World Center Marriott, various speakers that included UNAA past presidents echoed the theme of longevity, noting that the organization has evolved from a backyard get-together for a few Uganda neighbours enjoying summer barbeque to an international body drawing participants from continental America, Europe, Uganda, and elsewhere in Africa. For Rosette Serwanga former UNAA President (2003—2005), the organization has endured because it embraced many good ideas from many good people over the years. “UNAA is very strong today, thanks to the hard work of people who give their time to ensure that year after year, we are able to get together to share ideas, network and have a great timeâ€, she said to great applause.
Indeed, over the years, UNAA moved away from being simply venue for partying to a hard business forum, and finally to an umbrella of many interests that include forums for political discussion, apolitical youth as well as networking among investors contemplating putting personal savings in projects back home in Uganda. There were at least five business oriented forums featuring presentations from Capital market Authority, NSSF, career fair and private investors telling their business secrets. There were just as many activities that focused exclusively on children and youth.
Moreover, as demonstrated in Orlando over three days, UNAA has become a venue for articulating political views on hot political issues that affect Ugandans at home and in the Diaspora. The Ekimeeza 08 Live was well attended Friday night as participants exchanged views on all issues including leadership style in Uganda. Meanwhile, land issue took the limelight Sunday afternoon as participants crowded a huge room to hear the different views on the proposed Land Amendment Bill No. 27. Moderated by Dr. Muniini Mulera of Toronto, the panel speakers included among others Hon. Major (rtd) Jimmy Kinobe, Hon. Urban Tibamanya, Minister of State for Urban Development, the former Katikiro of Buganda, Mr. Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, Presidential Advisor Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, and Chairman, DP USA Mr. Lawrence Nsereko Kiwanuka.
The ensuing discussion took on airs of parliament as government officials led by Major (rtd) Jimmy Kinobe defended the land amendment bill as necessary to protect vulnerable tenants while opposition that countered by suggesting that the goal of the amendment could be met through dialogue and creative alternative. Former presidential candidate Dr. Abed Bwanika pointed out that various attempts to regulate land have not worked in the past because governments never bothered to find out the views of the various stakeholders.
“After putting out the proposal, it is the job of parliament and not the government to invite the people to discussions on various aspects of the proposed bill—the government should not go on a campaignâ€, he argued to great applause and standing ovation.
Yet, despite the fiery nature of the debate, the camaraderie that UNAA has fostered over the years meant no apparent hostility as panelists acknowledged each other, even chatted freely with each other. In fact, as a participant later noted, the position of the government is not unreasonable and so is the position of the opposition. “Somewhere in there, I sensed a spirit of compromise developingâ€, said the woman from Maryland who did not want to be identified. She explained that Major Kinobe clearly indicated government willingness to listen when he noted that no bill has ever been passed without due consultation and debate, meanwhile, she added, opposition appear willing to dialogue for a fair compensation package to landlords thereby allowing tenants to become land title holders.
Still, in keeping with the family friendly theme, Orlando also provided opportunities for the children and youth to showcase their talents. Children and youth activities included story-telling, softball, swimming, trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Ugandan Idol and a discussion on American and Ugandan culture clash. To cater to youth taste, the Sunday closing gala included a fashion show and a live hip-hop band featuring DJ Humphrey and Afrigo.
Even as delegates checked out Monday morning and prepared to say goodbye to Orlando, many were already planning ahead for the convention in Chicago, Illinois next year, a celebration that may take on a whole new meaning should Barack Obama who hails from the city win the presidential race. As a member of the Chicago organizing committee put it, “We are going to make it big and beautiful for everyoneâ€. The UNAA Chicago convention runs from September 4—6, 2009.
Opiyo.oloya@sympatico.ca
Indeed, over the years, UNAA moved away from being simply venue for partying to a hard business forum, and finally to an umbrella of many interests that include forums for political discussion, apolitical youth as well as networking among investors contemplating putting personal savings in projects back home in Uganda. There were at least five business oriented forums featuring presentations from Capital market Authority, NSSF, career fair and private investors telling their business secrets. There were just as many activities that focused exclusively on children and youth.
Moreover, as demonstrated in Orlando over three days, UNAA has become a venue for articulating political views on hot political issues that affect Ugandans at home and in the Diaspora. The Ekimeeza 08 Live was well attended Friday night as participants exchanged views on all issues including leadership style in Uganda. Meanwhile, land issue took the limelight Sunday afternoon as participants crowded a huge room to hear the different views on the proposed Land Amendment Bill No. 27. Moderated by Dr. Muniini Mulera of Toronto, the panel speakers included among others Hon. Major (rtd) Jimmy Kinobe, Hon. Urban Tibamanya, Minister of State for Urban Development, the former Katikiro of Buganda, Mr. Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, Presidential Advisor Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, and Chairman, DP USA Mr. Lawrence Nsereko Kiwanuka.
The ensuing discussion took on airs of parliament as government officials led by Major (rtd) Jimmy Kinobe defended the land amendment bill as necessary to protect vulnerable tenants while opposition that countered by suggesting that the goal of the amendment could be met through dialogue and creative alternative. Former presidential candidate Dr. Abed Bwanika pointed out that various attempts to regulate land have not worked in the past because governments never bothered to find out the views of the various stakeholders.
“After putting out the proposal, it is the job of parliament and not the government to invite the people to discussions on various aspects of the proposed bill—the government should not go on a campaignâ€, he argued to great applause and standing ovation.
Yet, despite the fiery nature of the debate, the camaraderie that UNAA has fostered over the years meant no apparent hostility as panelists acknowledged each other, even chatted freely with each other. In fact, as a participant later noted, the position of the government is not unreasonable and so is the position of the opposition. “Somewhere in there, I sensed a spirit of compromise developingâ€, said the woman from Maryland who did not want to be identified. She explained that Major Kinobe clearly indicated government willingness to listen when he noted that no bill has ever been passed without due consultation and debate, meanwhile, she added, opposition appear willing to dialogue for a fair compensation package to landlords thereby allowing tenants to become land title holders.
Still, in keeping with the family friendly theme, Orlando also provided opportunities for the children and youth to showcase their talents. Children and youth activities included story-telling, softball, swimming, trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Ugandan Idol and a discussion on American and Ugandan culture clash. To cater to youth taste, the Sunday closing gala included a fashion show and a live hip-hop band featuring DJ Humphrey and Afrigo.
Even as delegates checked out Monday morning and prepared to say goodbye to Orlando, many were already planning ahead for the convention in Chicago, Illinois next year, a celebration that may take on a whole new meaning should Barack Obama who hails from the city win the presidential race. As a member of the Chicago organizing committee put it, “We are going to make it big and beautiful for everyoneâ€. The UNAA Chicago convention runs from September 4—6, 2009.
Opiyo.oloya@sympatico.ca