Ugandans to attend Diaspora business expo in Toronto

All roads will, from June 30 to July 1, 2018, lead to the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Canada as the Uganda Canadian Diaspora Community unveils their Business Expo and Convention over the long weekend.

Co-chaired by Mr. John Naliima, a software engineer based in Toronto, the event will attract Ugandan Canadians interested in developing their businesses both in the diasporas and at home in Uganda. The delegates will discuss topics such as mobile money transfers, Diaspora tourism, affordable college education, Diaspora banking, mortgage financing, health insurance, venture capital, Diaspora SMEs, dual citizenship-passport renewal, immigration and resettlement tips.

In partnership with the Ugandan Diaspora Network, the event organizers have invited officials from the Uganda Investment Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Promote Uganda, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Bank of Uganda, leading commercial banks, and real estate developers looking for new buyers of upscale developments in Kampala.

Some of the confirmed guest speakers so far include Dr. Maggie Kigozi – Patron Ugandan Diaspora Network and Director Pepsi-Cola Uganda, who will lead the delegation of business entrepreneurs, Victoria Sekitoleko, a former Director FAO in China, Dr. Andrew Seguya – former Executive Director – UWA, Mr. Godfrey Ssemaganda, a motivational Wealth Creation trainer from UK, Mr. Paul Omara – Chief Executive Officer NGETTA Holdings, Coach Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi – Queen of Katwe movie stars will also be in attendance to mentor the Ugandan youth in Toronto.

“Other expected highlights will include a promotion and marketing campaign dubbed Proudly Uganda promoting Uganda’s Wildlife and scenic beauty as we tap into the Eaton Center traffic,” says a press release. Here, organisers say they hope to engage Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Uganda Canadian Diaspora to lead the mini-road show.

For entertainment organizers say they have lined up an evening cruise on Lake Ontario that will set sail with the Toronto evening skyline in full view. This African Cruise will feature leading DJs from North America and some local artists from Uganda.

Other highlights of the event will include a picnic lunch at the popular Centre Island. Nestled in over 600 acres of parkland, attendees will be able to choose from countless picnic areas, including lakefront, beaches, and vast green spaces. The facility offers extraordinary and picturesque settings for all kinds of events.

The Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Company will also be at-hand with a full-scale restaurant, huge main patio, live performance stage, open and enclosed upper decks with stunning views of the city skyline – all ideal for your next cocktail reception. A short ferry ride from downtown, Centre Island will provide a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy the Canadian hospitality in full.

Sunday morning will be devoted to an inter denomination church service to pray for Uganda while the evening being the grand finale and Canada Day those in attendance will wrap up the evening with the sumptuous dinner, special entertainment performances and some speeches from various stakeholders including our sponsors.

The International Rotary Convention will also be held in Toronto from June 23-27, 2018 and is expected to attract many Ugandans.  “The organizers have also been able to reach out to the honorary consul of Canada in Uganda to ensure that this event is listed at the embassies in East Africa to allow for smooth visa processing for would be applicants and sponsors,” says a press release.