Ugandans in North America, under the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), concluded their 37th Annual Convention and Trade Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking what many described as a landmark event that reflects the organization’s evolution and renewed momentum.
The event celebrated Ugandan culture, strengthened diaspora bonds, and positioned the convention as a dynamic platform for fostering investment, innovation, and policy dialogue between Ugandans abroad and their home country.
At the heart of this year’s success was the launch of the Trade, Investment, and Technology Advancement Network (TITAN) forum. This rebranded initiative brought together the previously separate trade, investment, and technology sessions into a single, unified platform.
Organizers said the redesign was based on feedback from members during last year’s Washington, D.C. convention, reflecting UNAA’s evolving purpose and inclusivity.
UNAA President and CEO Lambert Etibot, who was re-elected during the convention, explained that TITAN was born out of a clear desire from members to integrate discussions on trade, investment, and technology, recognizing technology as a key enabler of business and innovation.
“Our members made it clear that trade and investment should not be separate from technology, because technology is the enabler of both. People wanted the opportunity to attend and benefit from all three in one cohesive platform,” he said.
The convention attracted notable participation from high-profile Ugandan leaders and institutions, reinforcing its growing importance as a connector between the diaspora and developments back home.
Among the key attendees were Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC); Peace Ayebazibwe, Executive Director of Housing Finance Bank; Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development; and Jacklyn Makaaru Arinaitwe, a Board Member of the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), who also served as a moderator during the Investment Opportunities segment.
The event also benefited from a strategic partnership with Fortune 500 Klub, a Kampala-based investment group whose expertise and networks brought new sponsors, including UCC and UDC, to UNAA for the first time.
This collaboration allowed UNAA leadership to focus on its broader mission of community building and partnership development, while ensuring a seamless and impactful TITAN program.
By consolidating the forums into one platform, participants were able to engage fully in discussions without having to choose between overlapping sessions, resulting in stronger attendance and richer dialogue.
This approach reinforced the convention’s reputation as a premier platform for diaspora engagement, while enhancing its role in promoting investment opportunities, technology adoption, and cross-border trade.
Speaking during the closing Dinner Gala, Godber Tumushabe, the team lead at Fortune 500 Klub, commended the collaborative spirit that made the event a success and pledged continued support for future editions.
“This is just the beginning of a stronger future, promising to make the 2026 TITAN edition “even more impactful,” he said.
The success of the 37th convention reflects not only the organization’s renewed energy but also the growing influence of Ugandans abroad in shaping Uganda’s investment and development agenda.