By The recently concluded Tooro American Association (TAA) Convention in Grapevine, Texas, brought together members of the Tooro diaspora, business leaders, cultural ambassadors, and development partners for a vibrant celebration of culture, innovation, and investment.
Held under the theme “Building Cultural Bridges and Igniting Innovation Through STEM,” the three-day convention highlighted the growing role of the diaspora in promoting economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Uganda and the global community.
A major highlight of the convention was the Business and Investment Luncheon, supported by the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C. Speaking at the event, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge Akiiki, emphasized the vast investment opportunities available across Uganda’s economy, particularly in agriculture, value addition, and exports.
The Ambassador pointed to Uganda’s growing coffee industry as a testament to the country’s economic potential and encouraged the diaspora to play a more active role in driving investment and entrepreneurship.
Attendees were also inspired by remarks from Princess Nsemere Komuntale Farquharson Akiiki, who called on Tooro natives and friends of the Kingdom to invest in the region’s development.
“The opportunities are many, and the time is now,” the Princess said, emphasizing that diaspora investment can help create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and transform communities across the Kingdom.
Beyond business discussions, the convention celebrated Tooro’s rich cultural heritage through sports, traditional performances, and community engagement activities. A soccer match, cultural showcases, and the prestigious Makondere Royal Dance added excitement to the gathering, culminating in a grand cultural finale attended by delegates from across North America.
Organizers described the convention as one of the most successful in the association’s history, noting that the event concluded debt-free and demonstrated the strength, unity, and commitment of the Tooro diaspora community.
