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Toronto lies within Ontario

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Toronto lies within Ontario, one of the provinces in Canada and is also known as North America’s fourth-largest city. It pulses with energy, diversity, and opportunity, making it the perfect host for the Uganda Canada Convention.

Toronto is a city of many worlds in one. With over 200 ethnic communities, it mirrors the very spirit of the Ugandan diaspora, vibrant, resilient, and deeply rooted in culture. From Afro-Caribbean rhythms in the west end to global cuisines in the downtown core, you’ll feel a sense of belonging the moment you arrive.

At the heart of the city stands the iconic CN Tower, a symbol of Toronto’s bold ambition. Nearby, the lively Nathan Phillips Square offers a gathering space where locals and visitors connect under the glow of the famous Toronto sign.

And just steps away, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre delivers world-class shopping and entertainment, perfect for the unwinding sessions.

It is no wonder this is where the boat cruise, among other exciting activities of the convention, will come alive. And whether you’re attending a B2B session or simply engaging in casual conversations, the city itself is a worthy tourism venture. 

As you gather for the Uganda Canada Convention, Toronto invites you to do more than attend, it invites you to experience, to explore, to connect, and to celebrate both where you come from and where you can go.

Hello Kampala and the Uganda diaspora

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Hello Kampala and the Uganda diaspora at large, you are cordially invited to the 9th Edition of the Uganda Canada Convention, slated to take place at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre from Friday, August 28th – Sunday, August 30th, 2026. Friday’s highlights will include B2B meetings involving government stakeholders, aimed at promoting Uganda’s coffee and tourism sectors, as well as ICT, science, technology, and college education in Canada.

Then come Saturday, August 29th, 2026, join the Community Business Breakfast Meeting, which will feature topical issues affecting the Uganda diaspora. Subjects like National IDs, dual citizenship, money transfer, real estate, healthcare, and retirement benefits will be covered. The theme for this year will be “Building Diaspora Networks while Promoting Uganda as a Leading Tourism Destination in East Africa.”

To crown off the Saturday evening, join us for the Afrobeats Sunset Boat Cruise on Toronto Harbour, which will feature various artists and DJs. All attendees are invited to register separately for this experience.

Sunday morning, starting at 10 AM, will feature a special interfaith church service to pray for peace and unity of Uganda, followed by a Grand Finale Cultural Gala Dinner starting at 6 PM at the main hotel ballroom. Highlights will include a Uganda Cultural Festival, traditional performances, a live band, and a keynote address from a distinguished speaker.

Registration is currently ongoing at USD $300, while exhibition space is available for USD $500 at Pearl Bank, Summit Hall, Nkrumah Road Branch. We also encourage attendees to visit our Eventbrite and official event website to learn more about how to attend: www.ugandacanadaconvention.org.

For further information on how to partner or RSVP, please email [email protected] or contact us at Diaspora: +19782352459, Canada: +16473279712, or Uganda: +256700769683. We look forward to seeing you in Toronto, Canada — North America’s 4th largest city — during the last weekend of August. Come join us as we celebrate our Ugandan cultural heritage.

Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

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For anyone attending the Uganda Canada Convention, the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre isn’t just a place to stay. It offers the perfect blend of location, luxury, and functionality, ensuring your time in Toronto is both productive and memorable.

Located in the heart of Toronto, this hotel places you right at the center of the action. With direct access to the iconic CF Toronto Eaton Centre—one of North America’s largest shopping destinations, you’ll have world-class retail, dining, and entertainment literally at your doorstep. For convention attendees, this means effortless movement between sessions, networking spaces, and relaxation spots without the stress of long commutes.

The hotel offers a range of modern, well-appointed rooms and suites designed for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can expect high-speed Wi-Fi, spacious workstations, plush bedding, smart TVs, and 24-hour room service, making it easy to stay productive while enjoying maximum comfort. 

Whether you’re preparing for a keynote session or unwinding after a long day, every detail is tailored to your needs.

Amenities at the Marriott Downtown elevate the entire stay experience. From a fully equipped fitness center to an indoor pool, guests can maintain their wellness routines with ease. The hotel also features on-site dining options, including restaurants and lounges perfect for casual meetings or evening networking. 

Business travelers benefit from meeting rooms, conference facilities, and business services, aligning perfectly with the professional tone of the convention.

One of the standout features of this location is its breathtaking city views. Many rooms offer sweeping vistas of Toronto’s skyline, allowing guests to take in the energy and beauty of the city from the comfort of their space. Step outside, and you’re within walking distance of landmarks like Nathan Phillips Square and close to major transit routes, making it easy to explore everything Toronto has to offer.

Beyond convenience and comfort, staying at the Marriott Downtown enhances your overall convention experience. It becomes more than just accommodation, it’s a hub for networking, relaxation, and cultural exchange. With attendees, speakers, and business leaders all under one roof, opportunities to connect extend far beyond scheduled sessions.

Book your stay now

Buyungo Bryan Bedford – Director Research and Development, Uganda Diaspora Network

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With over 20 years of experience in Research and Development, Marketing and Brand Management, Bedford Buyungo has established himself as a seasoned professional in the industry. Having worked with reputable local, regional, and international brands, Bedford has held various leadership positions and serves as a consultant for organizations such as Uganda Airlines, PLO Foundation – Kenya, Savenda Group of companies – Zambia, The 300 University – USA, and as a business developer for Thembekile Mandela Foundation in South Africa.

Bedford will talk about how to leverage Research and Development and brand science to foster brand development for Ugandan and Canadian brands in Uganda, Canada, North America and Africa at large

The Legendary Afrigo Band – At 47 Heading to Canada – As Event Headliners!

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Formed nearly 47 years ago the legendary Afrigo Band – Uganda’s most popular band founded by Band leader Moses Matovu has outlived many and become the industry standard for excellence in LIVE musical sound.

Afrigo band was born out of a separation with the Crane Band. Its founding member was Moses Matovu – along with seven other members who have since passed on. These included Charles Ssekyanzi, Jeff Sewava, Paddy Nsubuga, Paulo Serumagga, Fred Luyombya, Geoffrey Kizito and Anthony Kyeyuye.


From Najjanakumbi were they rehearsed the group would later land their first gig at Bat Valley Restaurant. Later they moved to White Nile nightclub in Katwe were they performed 3 days a week. Soon they had saved up enough money to record their studio album. After releasing their songs and getting power-play Afrigo was then invited to perform at Cape Town Villas in Munyonyo becoming a resident band under the Presidency. They were also regulars at the State House performing for President Idi Amin who was an avid fan and would invite the group to perform specifically for him and his guests.

After the fall of the regime some group members went to exile but the band would regroup in 1982 – performing at Slow Boat then Little Flowers before moving to Sheraton and Fairway Hotel.

Today the band boasts of over 22 albums and hits that include Jim wange, Obangaina, Maria, Amazzi genyama, Olimujawa Omusajja and many other crowd favorites that address politics, relationships, marriage HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The band also spans generations with over 21 members with each playing a specific role, instrument, dance and vocals. From Herman Sewanyana to Joanita Kawalya and Rachel Magoola who joined in 1981, 1989 and 1999 respectively, every single member has left footprints on the band and Uganda’s Music industry. In 1987 Afrigo was featured alongside Philly Lutaaya’s – Born in Africa tour.

During the Canada Day Long Weekend Afrigo Band will be performing in Canada for the very first time at the Ottawa Westin Hotel. If you live in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver this will be a show you won’t want to miss!!

Save the dates – Meet and Greet Friday Evening July 1st & Sunday July 3rd the Grand Finale Gala Dinner!!

Solomon Serwanjja – Executive Director, African Institute for Investigative Journalism. AIIJ

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Solomon Serwanjja – Executive Director, African Institute for Investigative Journalism. AIIJ

Solomon Serwanjja is a Ugandan award-winning investigative journalist and the Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism. He holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism and communication from Makerere University. In 2019, Mr. Serwanjja won the BBC Komla Dumor award, a prestigious honor to Africa’s top journalist of the year. He has an incremental experience of 14 years in investigative reporting and broadcast journalism a s a whole having worked with national, regional and international media. Mr. Serwanjja has ably hosted the Uganda Diaspora Network events for the past 5 years. He will be in Ottawa this year to host the B2B – Business breakfast meet during the Canada Day Long Weekend.

 

IMMIGRATION SERVICES AT UGANDA HIGH COMMISSION – OTTAWA, CANADA.

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1.Uganda electronic visa;

All Visa Applications are submitted online through the link below:

  • www.visas.immigration.go.ug
  • Click on the start button shown in Red.
  • Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the Disclaimer.
  • Select the application type, Category, Sub category and period of stay.
  • Fill the application (Electronic)Form and proceed to Step 2 of the application process.
  • Upload all the required documents (attention to format i.e., PDF, JPEG, PNG and BMP and size 5-250KB for each attachment.
  • Make a payment (as indicated on the facility applied for) either online or using a payment advice form generated from the web portal.
  • Submit your application (remember to take note of your application ID)

General Information

  1. NO VISA IS ISSUED ON ARRIVAL.
  2. Holders of Conventional Travel Documents bearing nationalities of visa exempt countries to Uganda do not require a visa to enter Uganda regardless of the country issuing the Conventional Travel Document.
  3. Nationals of countries below are exempted from visa requirements to Uganda. However, they need to have their valid passports issued by their respective countries.

     Members of COMESA

Angola, Comoros,Eritrea,Malawi,Madagascar,Seychelles,Swaziland,Zambia and Zimbabwe.

EAC

Tanzania,Rwanda,Kenya and Burundi

Others exempted are:

Antigua &Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Fiji, Gambia, Granada, Jamaica, Lesotho,Malta, Malaysia, Sierra leone, Singapore,Solomon Islands, St Vicent & the Grenadines,Tonga,Vanuatu and Cyprus.

2.Passports; 

THE MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS WILL BE PHASED OUT ON 4TH APRIL 2022

All passport applications are submitted online through the link below:

www.passports.go.ug

-The High Commission can only renew passports for those with expired passports, replace lost passports, damaged and mutilated passports.

-We cannot issue passports to children born to Ugandan Parents in Canada since the Ugandan law does not allow dual citizenship for minors.

Follow the following steps to make the online passport application;

  • Log onto the passport portal www.passports.go.ug
  • Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the disclaimer.
  • Answer simple security questions
  • Complete passport application form. Applicants are advised to fill in their details of origin. This for example are details of your village/burial ground in Uganda not your residential address in Canada.

The Details of your parents whether alive or deceased should be filled in and their origin should be their villages where they hail from not residential addresses in Uganda.

Generation of origin is your clan and two contemporary descendants are the names of your grand parents on the father’s side.

  • Make payment for the selected type of passport using the selected payment method, either online payment using visa card or you can generate a payment receipt for over-the-counter payment and a person in Uganda can pay for you.
  • Print the passport application form after payment.
  • Report to the selected passport center with the passport application form and the following;
  • 2 Passport size photos (2 by 2 inches coloured with a white background)
  • Current old passport
  • Copy of National ID (if any)
  • Copy of recommender’s Ugandan National ID
  • Letter from your recommender addressed to the Passport Control Office, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kampala.
  • Printed out payment receipts
  • Identification/Immigration status in Canada
  • Letter of applicant requesting for renewal/replacement of passport (addressed to the Passport Control Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs-Kampala)
  • Proof of profession in case you’re changing from that in the old passport.
  • Police report in case of lost passport.
  • Birth certificates for applicants below 18years and a written consent from both parents allowing the minor to be issued with a passport. This letter should be addressed to the Passport Control Officer, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kampala.

Also attach copy of parent’s bio data page of passports and page 45 with the file number plus copies of their National IDs.

NOTE: Due to the restrictions that have been brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are receiving submission of passport applications by mail. Applicants are advised to verify and ensure that all requirements have been fulfilled. Please avail the High Commission with a call back number for a virtual interview and any additional information that may be required.

Include a prepaid self-addressed return envelope in the package you’re mailing to the High Commission for posting your E-passport.

Please note that we also give support letters in case the applicant is making an express passport application and would like the passport to be processed directly from Kampala.

-Write a formal letter requesting for a support letter addressed to the High Commissioner, in this letter please mention the name of the person submitting the application and collecting the E-passport on your behalf.

-Attach a copy of the National Identity card of the person submitting the application/collecting passport.

-Attach a copy of the online application.

-Attach a copy of your passport bio data page

-Attach a copy of a resident permit/driver’s licence for proof of address.

3.Dual Citizenship;

Dual Citizenship is a type of Citizenship which allows one to hold two nationalities.

Dual Citizenship also comprises of two different categories;

  1. Dual Citizenship by indigenous Ugandans

This is for Ugandan Citizens by birth who ceased to be citizens of Uganda by voluntarily acquiring citizenship of other countries and in accordance with the repealed constitutional provisions they are entitled to regain their Ugandan Citizenship upon application.

Children below 18 years are not entitled to acquire dual Citizenship according to the laws of Uganda.

Children holding foreign passports should apply for a Dependents pass which is granted until they are 18years and they can apply for Dual Citizenship if they are interested.

Conditions to be fulfilled

  • Applicant must be 18 years and above
  • The other country recognizes dual citizenship under its laws
  • Applicant is only a citizen of one country and where the person is a citizen of more than one country there must be proof of renunciation of the third country.
  • He/she is not engaged in espionage against Uganda
  • One is of sound mind
  • He/she has not served in the voluntary service of armed forces or security forces of a country hostile to Uganda.

Checklist for Dual Citizenship Applicants (indigenous Ugandan)

Please follow the steps below to make the online application for Dual Citizenship

  • Log onto www.visas.immigration.go.ug
  • Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the disclaimer
  • Select citizenship as the type of application
  • Choose from the categories displayed
  • After completion of the online application, the applicant will be required to upload a duly completed dual citizenship application form AA signed and notarized.
  • Recommendation letter and National identity card of the recommender (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)
  • Proof of being former Ugandan (Copy of Ugandan passport/parents’ passport/National ID) and page 45 of the old Ugandan passport/file number)
  • Copy of Birth certificate for applicants born outside Uganda.
  • Current Bio Data Page
  • Recent passport size photograph
  • Notarized oath of allegiance (Download and re-attach duly signed form)
  • Proof that the other Country allows Dual Citizenship
  • Proof of profession/occupation (Attach academic documents/employment ID)
  • Cover letter from applicant (Addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)

Digitization of citizenship

All applicants who have the manually issued citizenship certificates must apply online for digitization of their citizenship.

The website is www.visas.immigration.go.ug

Requirements

  1. Cover letter 
  2. Passport size photo
  3. Dual citizenship certificate
  4. Both passports
  5. Payment of digitization fee

     4.Certificates of Identity;

A Certificate of Identity is issued to a Ugandan with an expired passport and that one that has lost their passport.

It is a one-way travel document used for travel through the most direct route to Uganda. It should be surrendered to the Immigration officer at Entebbe Airport or any other port of entry upon arrival. 

   Checklist for a Certificate of Identity application

  • Completed Form A (Application for Uganda Travel Document)
  • Completed Consular Registration Form
  • 2 passport size photographs
  • Police report and a sworn affidavit/statutory declaration before a commissioner of oaths or Notary public in case of a lost passport
  •  Prepaid self addressed return envelope for posting your Travel Document
  • A money order of 60 CAD payable to Uganda High Commission
  • Cover letter explaining reason for applying for a Certificate of Identity
  • Travel Itinerary

Compiled by;

Gloria Batera Kyeswa

Immigration Attaché

Uganda High Commission-Ottawa

Dr. Shaka Ssali | Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient For His Contribution & Inspiration to The African Diaspora – October 9th Toronto

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Dr. Shaka Ssali is a Ugandan born American journalist, holds a doctorate in cross cultural communication and history from UCLA in California. He is a former Ford Foundation Fellow and has received numerous honors, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism.

Other awards include VOA’s Best Journalist Award, The Uganda Diaspora Award 2011 and Kigezi College Butobere’s first ever Highest Achievement Award in International Human Communication – Butobere is located in Kabale, Southwestern Uganda and Shaka’s alma mater.

In April 2021 Dr. shaka Ssali announced that he was stepping down as the longest host of the VOA flagship show to the Continent – Straight Talk Africa and Ms. Haydé Adams was named by VOA as his replacement. Dr. Shaka is currently working on his new book and memoirs – “Defying the Odds; The Kabale kid’s Journey from Uganda to America.”

Dr. Shaka worked for the Voice of America for 23 years and was the managing editor – Voice of America’s English to Africa service and the host of “Straight Talk Africa.” 

This year the Uganda Canada Convention in Toronto will recognize and honor Dr. Shaka Ssali for his Contribution and inspiration to the continent and the African diaspora! Join us for the Cultural Independence Gala dinner as we celebrate Uganda’s accomplished son –  Sunday evening October 9th in Toronto, Canada.

Business Expo Guest Speaker | Susan Namulindwa – Founder & Executive Director of Africa Trade Desk Canada

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Susan is the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Trade Desk, the Vice President Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and Board Chair of the Afro Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She is a seasoned, client-focused, and results-oriented executive, with a twenty-five year plus track record of management, mobilizing partners, teams, and stakeholders with often competing interests to solve problems and achieve measurable results.

She has an in-depth expertise and knowledge in building team resiliency, leading consultations among diverse stakeholders around the world with reference to agenda setting, strategic vision on sustainable development, trade, delivering on new change, project management and small and medium sized enterprises.

Susan has longstanding expertise on policy, partnerships, strategy, outreach, communications, as well an experienced fundraiser, presenter, and trainer.

Susan is very involved in her community in Canada and Africa, and the broader International African Diaspora through various community development initiatives on gender equality, environment, connectivity, food security, diversity, and inclusion. She is passionate about women and girls’ leadership, wellbeing, and development.

Susan will be a featured guest speaker on the Business opportunities that exists in Canada during the Uganda Cultural Business Expo & Convention in Toronto, Canada. Saturday October 9th 2021. 

Susan Namulindwa

Executive Director | Africa Trade Desk
116 Prom. du Portage, Gatineau, QC J8X 2K1

E: [email protected] | www.africatradedesk.com

Prof. Lumumba | Founder & Chairman of the PLO Lumumba Foundation – Convention Keynote Speaker

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Professor PLO Lumumba is the Founder of the PLO Lumumba Foundation and a consultant with Lumumba and Lumumba Advocates, a member of the Africa Justice Group (AJG). He is an Advocate of the High Courts of Kenya and Tanganyika and a certified mediator.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya FCPS (K), a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Management (FKIM) and Honorary Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS). He is the Chairman of Farafina Investment Group in Monrovia, Liberia and Economic Strategic Growth and Development Initiative for Africa based
in Nigeria.

He has authored several books on diverse subjects. With several speeches on diverse subjects delivered in and outside Africa, Lumumba is recognized as one of the leading public speakers in Africa and the African in Diaspora. He is the founder of several organizations including the PLO Lumumba Foundation, a charitable organization that has been in operation since 1990. He has also been twice recognized as one of the 100 most influential Africans.

Prof. PLO Lumumba will be this year’s keynote speaker during the Uganda Canada Business Expo & Cultural Convention at the downtown courtyard Marriott hotel in Toronto, Canada. He will also be doing a meet and greet book signing event at the hotel as well. Book your spot to attend and learn from this renown Pan African leader!!

Foundation website – https://plofoundation.org/