By For one Saturday in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Uganda did not feel thousands of miles away.
The Uganda Culture and Community Festival 2026, organised by the Uganda Tri-State Community Association (UTCA), representing Ugandan communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut was more than a cultural celebration. It was a gathering that brought together business, heritage, fashion, family, and community in one unforgettable day.
From the morning Business Breakfast to the evening Dinner and Dance, the festival created a space where Ugandans and friends of Uganda could reconnect, celebrate their identity, and imagine new possibilities together.
Business Breakfast
During the Business Breakfast, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and guests exchanged ideas on investment opportunities, tourism, real estate, construction, technology, insurance, and ways the diaspora can contribute to Uganda’s growth.
The Business Breakfast and the inaugural dinner were moderated by Uganda Diaspora Network (UDN) founder Mr. Ronnie Mayanja and former Miss Uganda Lilian Acom McClung, who guided the day’s discussions and celebrations with warmth and professionalism. Brian Kazinduka served as the youth co-MC during the festival.
Other participants included ABS Travel, alongside a range of exhibitors showcasing products and services tailored to the Ugandan diaspora community.
Among the many inspiring moments of the day was the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Tendo Kaluma, whose family story captured the attention of many attendees. Their son, Arthur Kaluma, had recently achieved a historic milestone after earning a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers following his impressive NBA Summer League performances. Speaking during the Business Breakfast, Tendo Kaluma encouraged parents in the diaspora to intentionally empower their children by nurturing their talents, instilling discipline, and ensuring they remain connected to their Ugandan heritage.
The UTCA President Mildred Ssennyondo Mukubanimba expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the inaugural Uganda Culture and Community Festival, thanking attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, partners and the Government of Uganda for their unwavering support. She reaffirmed UTCA’s commitment to uniting Ugandans across the diaspora, emphasising that the festival marks the beginning of a lasting legacy of culture, unity and opportunity for future generations. “Far more unites us than divides us,” she said, adding, “Together, we are UTCA.”
UTCA Chairperson Mildred welcomed members of the community and introduced the UTCA leadership and Board, highlighting the association’s objectives and its commitment to promoting unity, cultural preservation, and community development among Ugandans in the Tri-State area.
Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Remmy Male, while the Guest of Honour was Uganda’s Ambassador to Washington, D.C H.E. Amb. Robie H. Kakonge. The event was also attended by Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Duncan Muhumuza, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties between Uganda and its diaspora.
In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Robie H. Kakonge challenged keynote speaker Dr. Remmy Male to spearhead the formation of an Ambassador’s Book Writing Club for the Ugandan diaspora in the United States. The initiative envisions bringing together Ugandan writers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to document their experiences, preserve Uganda’s rich history, and amplify diverse voices through books. The Ambassador noted that the club could grow into an annual literary movement, inspiring new authors each year while laying the foundation for initiatives such as literary awards, youth writing fellowships, and an international Ugandan Authors Conference, further cementing the Uganda Cultural Festival as a platform for both cultural celebration and intellectual legacy.
Dr. Remmie Male is an entrepreneur, author, and international advocate for women’s economic empowerment. In her keynote address, Dr. Remmie Male spoke about how social capital can strengthen bonds and build bridges in community, drawing key insights from her book, Gangos, to encourage the diaspora to build meaningful relationships, networks, and opportunities that create lasting impact.
The day’s speakers also included Michael Kakande, who spoke about building a strong financial foundation through investment, emergency funds, debt management and financial protection; Allan Kaddu, Esq., who addressed navigating the current immigration landscape and understanding one’s rights; David Mutaawe, who highlighted the opportunities in commercial real estate; Diana Nabuuso Katimbo, who spoke about protecting one’s legacy through smart investments and legal strategies; Cornelius Ongera, who shared insights on achieving financial freedom; Patrick Paul Oyulu, who presented UTCA’s journey, vision and objectives; and Dr. Remmie Male, who delivered the keynote address on how social capital can strengthen bonds and build bridges within the community. The event also featured remarks from Ms. Mildred Ssennyondo, President of the Uganda Tri-State Community Association (UTCA), and a representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations.
A Celebration of Culture and Identity
As the day progressed, the atmosphere transformed from a professional gathering into a vibrant celebration of Ugandan identity.
Families arrived dressed in elegant traditional wear and modern African-inspired fashion.
Friends reunited after years apart. Children experienced a taste of their heritage, while new members of the diaspora found themselves welcomed into a community that felt like home.
A special moment during the festival was the recognition of two outstanding community members, Muhamad Tamale Lubega and Pius Bugembe Abbooki, who were honoured as UTCA Honourees for their exceptional contributions and dedicated service to the Ugandan community. Their recognition reflected UTCA’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen and inspire the diaspora.
Fashion as a Story of Heritage
One of the highlights of the festival was the fashion showcase, which brought creativity and culture to centre stage.
The runway featured beautiful designs inspired by Ugandan fabrics, traditions, and contemporary African fashion. The showcase was more than an exhibition of clothing; it was a celebration of identity.
The fashion showcase was curated by Dr. Harriet Wandira Rumanyika, a fashion designer by passion and the head of a shipping line in Liberia. She was supported on the catwalk by former Miss Uganda Miss Acom Mclung. Through her carefully curated showcase, she celebrated the richness of Ugandan culture while highlighting the creativity and innovation of African fashion.
Government services, including National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) services and dual citizenship processing, were also made available to members of the community.
Ending the Day with Celebration
Adding colour and excitement to the festival, the Sam Nalangira Cultural Dance Troupe delivered a memorable performance that highlighted Uganda’s vibrant cultural identity and left the audience captivated.
The Uganda Diaspora Network (UDN) extends its sincere appreciation to Mildred Ssenyondo, Patrick Oyulu, Sarah Sebikari, and the entire UTCA Board for the opportunity to participate in such a colourful and memorable celebration of Ugandan culture, community, and unity.
