By Dear Members, Friends, and Partners,
I warmly welcome you all back from New Orleans and extend my heartfelt congratulations for yet another very successful UNAA Convention. This year, we had the honor of celebrating 37 years of UNAA in grand style, and together, we delivered what has already been described as the most organized and impactful convention in our association’s history.
Allow me to begin by thanking our generous sponsors and partners—the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, the Uganda Mission in New York, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), Fortune500Klub, Uganda Development Corporation, Uganda Communications Commission, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Equity Bank, Housing Finance Bank, NBS, Mountain of the Moon University, and Makerere University. Your commitment and participation added significant value to this convention, making it a true platform for investment, education, business, and cultural exchange.
We also appreciate the tireless efforts of our service providers—Black Beauty Events, EPM Productions, JD Media, Yannick Productions, AD Studios, and Kaiyz Media—for putting together a world-class event that left a lasting impression on all who attended. Special thanks go to our Event Host, Daniel Engole, for his outstanding work in keeping the program engaging and well-coordinated, and to Olga B. Luck, UNAA’s culinary consultant and chef, for delighting us with authentic Ugandan cuisine that reminded us all of home.
To our loyal vendors and exhibitors, thank you for once again choosing UNAA as the platform to showcase your products and services. Your continued support strengthens our convention and provides delegates with valuable opportunities for discovery and engagement.
This year, we were proud to introduce TITAN (Trade, Investment, and Technology Advancement Network)—a powerful forum that brought together stakeholders to discuss business, innovation, and investment opportunities. The overwhelmingly positive reviews confirmed TITAN’s relevance, and we are confident it will remain a cornerstone of future conventions. We also introduced the Youth Pool Fest, which proved to be one of the most vibrant highlights of the weekend, with strong attendance and excellent reviews from our young people. Additionally, in partnership with the Uganda North American Medical Society (UNAMS), we launched a Healthcare Workshop that offered free medical screenings and checkups. This initiative was warmly welcomed by members and demonstrated UNAA’s commitment to holistic value addition for our community.
I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our Keynote Speaker, Pastor Gary Skinner, whose inspiring message deeply resonated with our members. To our guest speakers, moderators, and panelists across the various forums, your contributions enriched the discussions and provided meaningful takeaways for all participants. Special appreciation goes to the volunteers at the Registration Desk, the Welcome Team, and the Protocol Team, who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth, professional, and welcoming experience for all attendees.
Our entertainment lineup was another highlight that made New Orleans truly memorable. We were treated to unforgettable performances from the Hills & Vines Band (Karitas, Amanda, and Aida Vee), Ragga Dee, Spice Diana, GNL Zamba, Naira Ali, Naijo, and many others who brought energy and culture to our stage. A special thank-you goes to Peter Mugga, who oversaw event production and ensured every performance and showcase was world-class. I also extend my deepest appreciation to our team of talented DJs—DJ Lawrence (Chicago), DJ Paddy, DJ Jonanex, DJ Sokey, DJ Star, DJ Billy, DJ Bernazo, DJ Johnie, and DJ Kaddu—for delivering world-class music and keeping our members entertained throughout the convention.
UNAA continues to grow—not only in numbers but also in relevance, impact, and value addition to our members. Each year, we build stronger partnerships, introduce innovative programs, and create platforms that empower individuals and businesses alike. As we look ahead, we are determined to further expand these opportunities, ensuring that UNAA remains the premier gathering of Ugandans in the Diaspora.
We will soon be announcing the host city for the 2026 Convention, and I invite you all to look out for that announcement. In addition, we will be opening early-bird registration shortly—please take advantage of this opportunity and secure your place early while prices remain low.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank you for entrusting me once again with the opportunity to serve as your President. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I pledge to continue working tirelessly for the unity, progress, and empowerment of our members. I also extend my deepest appreciation to the entire UNAA leadership team for their dedication and continued service to our community.
Together, we have set a new standard in New Orleans. The future of UNAA is bright, and with your support, we will continue to reach even greater heights.
With gratitude and commitment,
Lambert Etibot
President & CEO
Ugandan North American Association (UNAA)
