Prof. Dr. Maggie Kigozi | A Message From Our Patron – Ugandan Diaspora Network

Dear Ugandan Diaspora community members,

I am happy to welcome you to the Diaspora Social Networking Gala 2013 to be held at our usual venue Serena Hotel on 30th December. You have traveled from all corners of the world and we welcome you home.

Working together with Ronnie Mayanja and many other Diaspora members the annual gala helps bring together Ugandan’s from the Diaspora in a meet and greet atmosphere while providing a fun filled environment that recognizes contributions of those Ugandan’s who have excelled in their various fields and contributed to both their adopted homes and Uganda.

Last years event saw awards presented to prominent Ugandans like Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Boxing legend and hall famer -John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi and a Ugandan Diaspora Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kiprotich for his Olympic Marathon win in London.

This year we have an impressive list of awardees that include Winnie Byanyima – The Executive Director Oxfam International, Patrick Masambu Deputy Director – International Satellite Agency and Ugandan America Hollywood icon Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine among others.  The entertainment this year will include East Africa’s Jazz Maestro Isaiah Katumwa,  Navio and the AROMA Band.

Our Fashion Shows have always mirrored the mix of Ugandan and International flavor that the Diaspora embodies. My own relationship with the Ugandan Diaspora started at the UNAA Convention in Boston soon after taking over as Executive Director of Uganda Investment Authority. I came back and reported to the government the opportunity Uganda had to harness the diverse skills and experience our people living and working abroad had acquired.

We are grateful for your contribution in building our Nation and these Awards and honorees attest to that. The awardees are few in number but represent all of you and the achievements you have made over the years.

I look forward to meeting and interacting with you all in Kampala for this unforgettable Diaspora evening Gala!

Happy holidays.

Prof. Dr. Maggie Kigozi,
Patron – Ugandan Diaspora Network