Event Program

Ronnie Mayanja is the founder of the Uganda Diaspora Network, the parent organization with affiliates in the US, Canada, and Uganda. After serving two terms on the Uganda North America Association (UNAA), he stepped down in 2011. It was then that he was inspired to start the Uganda Canada Convention (UCC), a leading platform advancing trade, tourism, investment, and diaspora engagement between Uganda and Canada. Through UCC, he has built impactful conventions, starting in Vancouver in 2012, Toronto, and later Ottawa. He enjoyed a good working relationship with the late Ambassador Abola, Amb. Nsambu, Amb. Achieng, and now Ag. Amb. Alan Kajik. Through his efforts, the organization attracted the Aga Khan Foundation in Canada, keynote speakers like the former Uganda Vice President, Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, the former Speaker of Uganda Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, and various government ministers and business stakeholders. With over a decade of experience, Ronnie has strengthened connections between Ugandans in Canada and their homeland, creating opportunities for business and collaboration. Working closely with the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa, he was able to build a brand that helped organize the first Uganda Tourism Road Show in both Toronto and Ottawa. Ronnie organized the first-ever Canada tour for Afrigo Band, Uganda’s oldest musical band, through a tour that took them to Edmonton and Toronto. Through his Uganda Diaspora Network, he has pioneered key initiatives, including the Uganda Diaspora Social Networking Gala, under the patronage of Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Uganda Diaspora News, and the New England Business Expo held annually in Boston, USA. He has also done consultation work with IOM offices in both Nairobi and Washington to help deal with Uganda diaspora mapping. Through his many years as a diaspora leader and consultant, he built a reputation as the go-to contact for companies involved with remittances, including WorldRemit, Sendwave, Dahabshiil, LemFi, and NALA. Other portfolios included the expansion of diaspora banking, real estate, and healthcare insurance schemes for the Uganda diaspora community. A seasoned media professional, Ronnie is a pioneer broadcast journalist who worked at WBS Television, Capital FM, CNN International, and has consulted for NTV and NBS during their past election specials, bringing strong strategic communication expertise to his work. He also served as a board member of the East African Chamber of Commerce (EACC) in Dallas, Texas, contributing to regional trade initiatives. He attended Kings College Budo for O & A Level and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University and a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University’s College of Communication. At his core, he is proudly Ugandan, driven by a mission to connect, celebrate, and empower Uganda’s diaspora. • Don’t miss the 9th Edition of the Uganda Canadian Business Expo & Convention in Toronto, Canada, from August 28–30, 2026, at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. • For inquiries: Website – www.ugandacanadaconvention.org | [email protected] | [email protected] | Call/WhatsApp +19782352459.

Shadrack Olinga is the Country Manager Uganda, for the Uganda Canada Convention (UCC), where he leads efforts to connect Uganda with its diaspora in Canada. He plays a central role in building partnerships, mobilizing stakeholders, and strengthening collaboration between institutions and communities. With a strong background in business development, international relations, and event management, Shadrack brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural initiatives. He has been instrumental in delivering impactful events and promoting Uganda’s economic and cultural presence globally. In his role, he oversees local logistics, sponsorship engagement, government relations, and community outreach, ensuring the Convention delivers value for participants, partners, and sponsors while aligning with national development goals. Shadrack is passionate about fostering Uganda–Canada connections, advancing trade, tourism, investment, and knowledge exchange. He is committed to creating platforms that empower Ugandans at home and abroad to collaborate and contribute to national growth. Phone: +256 700 769683 Email:  [email protected] or [email protected]

William Gafabusa is the Canada Coordinator for the Uganda Canada Convention (UCC), supporting cross-border collaboration and engagement between Canada and Uganda. He plays a key role in coordinating activities and strengthening connections with the diaspora community. He specializes in turning building and operational data into smart, cost-effective decisions. His work focuses on performance optimization, energy efficiency, risk management, and sustainability strategy to help organizations operate more effectively. By leveraging analytics, dashboards, KPI development, and market research, William supports businesses in improving efficiency and reducing costs. His approach enables organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions. With a strong focus on resilience and innovation, he is committed to helping organizations build sustainable, future-ready operations.

Otto Edward Makmot is a Canadian Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, and a member of the Law Society of Ontario. He is also an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and a member of the Law Society of Uganda and East Africa. He currently serves as Managing Partner of Otto Edward Makmot & Company Advocates. He previously served as the elected Member of Parliament for Agago County in Uganda (2016–2021). Before that, he practiced law in Canada from 2010 to 2016 and worked as a Consultant Advocate with ALP East Africa, a regional law firm operating in Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. Mr. Otto is the founder and Director of Access Centre Uganda, a community-based organization supporting post-war recovery in Northern Uganda through education, health, agriculture, environmental, and socio-economic programs in the Acholi sub-region. He has also contributed to legal access initiatives through Legal Aid Ontario and community legal clinics in Toronto. He holds a law degree from Makerere University and completed his legal training at the University of Toronto and the Ontario Bar Program. Currently, he serves as Deputy Vice Chairperson of the Board of David Fagerlee Medical Centre and has previously served on the Uganda North American Association Board of Directors (2014–2016).

Hamza, widely known as “Mr. New Level,” is an award-winning concert promoter and entertainment pioneer who has shaped Toronto’s multicultural event scene for over two decades. He has worked with internationally recognized artists including Chameleone, Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz, SWV, and Dru Hill, consistently connecting diverse audiences through high-impact productions. His influence extends to major events, including playing a key role in the official afterparties of the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend. He is also the founder of the African All-Star Concert Series, a platform dedicated to showcasing top African talent and promoting cross-cultural engagement. As a pioneer of African-themed events in Toronto’s mainstream nightlife, Mr. New Level helped create space for broader cultural representation. His signature event, the All African All White Summer Boat Cruise, remains a staple of the city’s summer calendar with a strong 17-year legacy. Backed by a Master’s degree in Engineering Project Management, Hamza brings a structured, strategic approach to event execution, cementing his reputation as both a cultural innovator and a disciplined leader in the entertainment industry.

Eddie Jjumba is a Ugandan-Canadian, ordained minister, Registered Psychotherapist, and servant leader, as well as a husband and father of three. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked across social work, mental health, child welfare, clergy, and social justice, supporting vulnerable individuals and families in both Canada and Uganda. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of Milliken Wesleyan Methodist Church in Markham and as a Psychotherapist and Executive Director at NewWays Center for Wellbeing. He is also President of Dominion House of Hope shelter and a member of the African Canadian Collective (ACC), advancing dignified settlement and wrap-around support for refugees and the homeless. Eddie is deeply committed to helping individuals discover their inherent worth and potential. His work reflects a passion for continuous growth, learning, unlearning, and relearning to better serve both professionally and personally. His clinical and leadership approach is grounded in the belief that all people have equal, God-given value and dignity. He practices a holistic model, integrating spirituality, family systems, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to support the mind, body, and soul. Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | +1 416 837 1790