The East African Diaspora Media Watch (EADM)

In Summary: This won’t be a fairy tale. Dallas has done it twice before. It is going to do it for the third time of asking. The first two conventions were not short of glamor and drama. Indeed, there will be glamor. There will be drama. There will be history. There will be cheers and flares. There will be tears and jeers. Come, witness, experience, savor, and be part of this unfolding momentous epoch as UNAA, 35, transitions and takes the first baby step toward its 36th birthday. Now, the drama from Dallas has endured. We appear to have come full circle! Regardless, the Dallas Local organizing Committee kraaled by charismatic Gilbert Byron Mulaabi, MBA, Senior Manager Financial Intelligence Unit (AML Compliance Expert) and tenacious Aisha Musoke Mugga, MSN, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, is locked and loaded. The keynote speaker, Mr. Paul Kirungi, a FINTECH leader is confirmed. The AGM will happen, it seems, the second since the 2010 constitution was adopted. New constitutional amendments are poised for a vote. Come, listen, and vote. It’s your right., Elections for UNAA leaders are on course. Come, vote with your feet! Whether you take it or leave it, Dallas wins, again. By Monday morning, as Samuel Muwanguzi writes, in addition to David Mureeba, Brian Kwesiga, and Monday Atigo, either Lambert Etibot or Patrick Ogwang will be the fourth president of UNAA. You can take that to the bank! You got a deal!

Dallas, Texas—Preparations to host over 1,000 delegates expected to attend the 35th annual UNAA convention  in Dallas during this Labor Day weekend, Friday September 1-4, 2023 have been finalized, organizers confirmed to the EADM here over the weekend. The fete will take place at the commodiously plush Hilton Anatole Hotel in  downtown Dallas, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX,75207. Running under the theme “Technology, Business, and Culture Reimagined” and a sub-theme; “A future of sustainable wealth creation for Our Ugandan Diaspora Community,” the 35-year-old association of Ugandans living in the Diaspora, resident in North America, will be holding its third convention in  Dallas, the third largest city in Texas. Dallas first played host to the annual UNAA convention in 1990, two years after the inaugural UNAA convention “Thanksgiving” Dinner was held in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1988. Ten years ago, in 2013, Dallas hosted the 25th annual UNAA convention for the second time of asking at the Dallas Omni Convention Center.

The organization of the ‘UNAA 35’ or ‘Dallas 23’, as UNAA members fondly and variously refer to this year’s convention, is spearheaded by the charismatic and energetic Gilbert Byron Mulaabi as chairperson of the local organizing committee (LOC) and deputized by the tenacious and soft-spoken Aisha Musoke Mugga. Mr. Gilbert Byron Mulaabi, MBA, a Senior Manager Financial Intelligence Unit (AML Compliance Expert) by profession, also doubles as the UNAA Council Representative for the SOUTH-WEST REGION 2 and publicity secretary for the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth community association of Ugandans living in the metroplex. Newlywed Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga, MSN, an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, is the immediate former secretary of the UNAA Board of Trustees (BOT) who also previously served as the executive secretary of UNAA (2013-2015). With those steady two pairs of hands assisted by a dozen of specialized committees comprising of an average of six members each, the highest confidence and expectation in the duo to deliver a spectacular and memorable 35th UNAA convention in Dallas to the delegates is understandable.

It is out of that confidence in the duo that the outgoing UNAA president and CEO Ms. Henrietta Nairuba Wamala and the incumbent executive secretary and chief operations officer (COO) Mr. Lambert Etibot, now running for the top UNAA job have given latitude to Mr. Mulaabi and Mrs. Mugga to run the show. Outgoing president Henrietta Nairuba Wamala has served two terms of office (2019-2023) and is barred by the 2010 constitution to seek a third term. A lame duck and a sure President Emeritus (PE) in a couple of days, Ms. Henrietta Nairuba is letting the LOC testify to her proven ability to groom future UNAA leaders.

“There is a 92% confidence in our ability, according to a recent poll, to organize successful conventions even during election years, Mr. Lambert Etibot told me, adding, I have put in place a capable and competent team to make UNAA Dallas 23 the most successful convention ever.” “Although three of the UNAA executive members (Ms. Joan Baluga (vice president), Mr. Lambert Etibot (executive secretary), and Mr. Nsereko (treasurer) are contesting for positions on the executive and other leaders are running for Council seats, we are working tirelessly and collaboratively with volunteers serving on the various committees to stage one of the most  memorable conventions in the 35 years of UNAA,” the duo told me during a conference call. 

There are about a dozen committees organizing the convention including the Business and Investment Committee, The Marketing and Media Committee, The Political Forum Committee, The Technology Committee, Youth and Career Development Committee, the Protocol and hospitality Committee, The Family Committee, The Entertainment Committee, Religion (Interfaith Committee), and the Registration Committee. “We are fortunate that the local organizing committee has had a smooth ride in its operations with occasional twists and turns here and there but we managed to effectively navigate and overcome them.” 

But they said that some perennial UNAA convention-related problems remain outstanding. “For example, Ugandans register and pay late for the convention. That derails and delays planned activities,” they told me. “Everything we are doing needs money. It is never enough and does not come in time. We cannot even compensate our volunteers for the time and effort they invest in the process. It is priceless, they told me. The duo disclosed that this year, UNAA will not get as many delegates from Uganda as the case has been in the past because the government has cut the budget for external travel. “Parliamentarians who are coming are paying for their travel and other expenses. Some individuals were not even able to get visas. Those are some of the challenges we are facing,” they said in unison. “However, we are on the roll,” they confidently told me.

Indeed, the duo could not hide their enthusiasm while announcing that the Ugandan-born high-profile tech innovator and entrepreneur Mr. Paul Kirungi had confirmed that he would attend the 35th UNAA convention in Dallas as the keynote speaker during the gala dinner on Sunday September 3, 2023.Mr. Paul Kirungi is an accomplished leader and innovator in the field of financial technology and  a co-founder of Zofi Cash. “Mr. Paul Kirungi is an inspiring leader dedicated to transforming Africa's financial landscape. His expertise spans technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership,” part of his biography reads. With deep roots in vibrant Uganda, Paul Kirungi has risen to become a beacon of inspiration for individuals both within Uganda and across the globe. “Coming from humble beginnings, Paul Kirungi has defied the odds and overcome various challenges along his life’s journey to become a shining example of the talent, resilience, and determination that Uganda's people embody. “His compelling story should keep all diners on the edge of their seats, Mr. Mulaabi and Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga told me. It is hard to disagree.

“We are also glad to announce that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Mr. Nobert Mao will be the chief guest during the Saturday Luncheon at 1:00PM to address members about the  proposed Constitutional review and the  transition process,” they said. The event will also be addressed by Ms. Robie Kakonge, Uganda’s  Ambassador to the US, and Mr. Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson of the  Ministry of Internal Affairs who will speak about Immigration Issues concerning the Diaspora. Other dignitaries who will grace the Dallas 23 convention include the Minister of Lands Dr. Sam Mayanja who will headline the Land Forum, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Mr. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mr. Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada Ms. Ruth Acheng.

Lately confirmed to attend the 35th UNAA convention is the minister for energy Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Sentamu, the former Government Chief Whip of the previous parliament. A long-serving cabinet minister who has regularly represented President Yoweri Museveni at the annual UNAA convention, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, a former women representative of Kiboga district in the Uganda Parliament, famously told the UNAA members during the banquet at the annual UNAA convention in San Francisco that ‘she is paid to talk,” will be the second full cabinet minister after Mr. Nobert Mao to grace the Dallas 23 convention.

Speaking with verve, Mr. Mulaabi and Mrs. Mugga declared: “We are 95% ready to go. Volunteers on all committees are fired-up and are eagerly waiting for the D-Day,” the duo told me during a conference call over the weekend. Regarding entertainment and selling  vending spaces, this duo is definitely seeking to earn its plaudits. “We shall have a live band with renowned music and dance maestros Eddie Kenzo, Misaaki Semakula, and others alternately taking the stage to entertain revellers while  folk artistes  will add color to the UNAA bonanza,” they said. Meanwhile, all the vending spaces have been sold out. “We planned for 55 vending spaces for private exhibitors both from Uganda and the Diaspora including some government agencies such as NIRA, Ministry of Lands, and Uganda Tourist Board and all have been booked and paid for,” they boasted while applauding the marketing and media committee and others for publicizing the vending spaces. 

But they are under no illusions regarding the  enormity of the task during the three day fete. “It will be a beehive of activities. We expect hundreds of excited people to converge at the hotel, crowds filling out the hotel spaces, elevators, escalators, registration desk, bathrooms, bars, restaurants, vending space, meeting rooms, and hallways. It will be a spectacle to behold. But we are ready and have put in place a watertight plan to handle any situation,” the duo told me. However, the ongoing election campaigns, sloganeering, retail politicking, and networking ahead of the voting for the UNAA president and members of the UNAA council scheduled for Saturday and Sunday during the convention will neither help matters nor reduce on the crowd management nightmare for the organizers.

During the keenly contested UNAA elections in Chicago (2019) and Cincinnati (2021), exasperated and occasionally rowdy voters spent hours in long-winded queues that overstretched the UNAA/Electoral Commission (EC) resources to near breaking point. Those were not enviable optics for the now 35-year-old association. Sounding bullish, Mr. Gilbert Mulaabi and Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga stated that “We have been able to offer the Electoral Commission the space it needed to do its job of flawless elections and are going about their business. We expect the EC to do an excellent job.”

But the much-anticipated annual general meeting(AGM) at which the president and treasurer of UNAA will present their reports in addition to the new amendments to the  2010 constitution expected to come up for a vote, the security nightmare may even be further compounded. The proceedings at the AGM may put to test the judicious skills of  Mr. Ronnie Kabaale, Chair of the UNAA Board of Trustees (BOT) and first Speaker of the UNAA Council under the 2010 constitution who may be faced with a daunting task of fairly steering the debate at the meeting. The  AGM is scheduled to take place on Saturday starting at 4:00PM. The last time UNAA amended its constitution was in 2010 when the new constitution was adopted. Since then, the association has only held one rowdy and inconsequential AGM in Dallas in 2013. Some former and potential members of UNAA who were recently struck off the membership and voters’ lists for alleged violation of registration procedures have threatened to storm the hotel to disrupt the voting process and the AGM proceedings. But the duo downplayed any threat and could have none of it: As for crowd management, security will be tight; it has been outsourced to a private organization which will work jointly with our members, hotel security, and the Dallas Police Department (DPD),” they said. “Anybody who will attempt to disrupt the convention activities at the hotel would be doing so at their own peril as any disruptions will be robustly dealt with,” they warned.

But beyond the security concerns, glamorous events, most of them new and unique to UNAA @ 35 or Dallas 23 are planned for fun seekers at the convention. For starters, Pearl of Africa Night, an authentic reenactment of an African Experience will be held on the opening day of the convention, Friday evening on 1st September 2023. It will be free for registered members but non-registered members will have to fork out $50 to access the venue. “Doors Open at 7pm,” Mr. Mulaabi and Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga told me. During the event, cultural performances from local and international Artists, music, Dance, Poetry, and Top DJs spinning the music, will be on offer. However, the icing on the cake will be the fashion show presented by renowned Ugandan fashion brand specialist Ms. Monica Kansiime of Ipigogo Fashion House in Kampala. She will work behind the scenes to ensure the catwalks neither slip nor slumber!

Meanwhile, UNAA Dallas 23 has organized a ‘Night on the Nile White Party’ - An All Exclusive White Ball Featuring the Source Band, Top Artists and DJS. It will cost an additional $120 and will take place on  Saturday September 2nd  starting at 7:00PM. The dress code  is  all White. According to organizers, the ‘Night on the Nile White Party’ will be charged separately from the registration fees  in leu of the boat cruise. “Since Dallas does not have large water bodies to launch large boat rides, the ‘Night on the Nile’ will offer an alternative atmosphere and experience to the boat cruise,” the organizers said. “The Night on the Nile is indeed a clue to other ‘landlocked’ cities in similar geographical situation to bid to host the UNAA convention,” Mr. Gilbert Mulaabi and Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga told me.

The 3-Dday outdoor Pearl of Afffrica Exhibition in the hotel gardens organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) showcasing Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, tourism destination sites, and the hospitable and friendly people will add glamor and novelty to the gala. The Pearl of Africa exhibition will feature  traditional dances, folk musical shows, cultural artifacts, food, dress, among others. The Sunday gala dinner will offer the ultimate climax to the glamor at the convention. The atmosphere will be electric! Entertainers including Eddie Kenzo, Misaaki Semakula, and renowned DJs will bring down the roof and keep the revelers on their feet! “Since it will be at the gala dinner that the winners of the presidential  and UNAA Council elections will be announced by the EC and sworn-in by the BOT, expect jubilation and celebration at the banquet that will mimic a carnival-like atmosphere,” the organizers promised. Indeed, there will be glamor. There will be drama. There will be history. There will be cheers and flares. There will be tears and jeers.

The Sunday evening banquet will be graced and addressed by Ambassadors Robie Kakonge; Adonia  Ayebare; and Ruth Acheng. Other dignitaries to attend the gala dinner will include Mr. Nobert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Sam Mayanja, Minister of State for Lands, Mr. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities. “It is on this evening that Mr. Paul Kirungi, the keynote speaker will tell his uplifting story that is likely to turbocharge the audience,” the organizers predicted. 

For the first time round, a UNAA convention has established the protocol, welfare, & hospitality committee to ensure that all VIPs are cared for during their 3-day stay as guests of UNAA. The 12-person committee will serve as guides to the VIPs from the time the arrive at the hotel. The committee members are also charged with welcoming and transporting the VIPs from the airport on arrival and back to the airport. According to Rev. Joseph Kamugisha, the chairperson and brain behind the committee formation, “this is the first of its kind with a goal of relieving UNAA officials of running up and down chaperoning the VIPs yet they have other key roles to play.” He said members of the protocol, welfare, & hospitality committee will wear special badges with the word ‘official’ at bottom of the badge to easily identify them.

Uniquely, it is also in Dallas that the election for the UNAA presidency is pitting two residents of Dallas, Texas, also former political allies who previously served as presidents of the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) community associations of Ugandans living in the metroplex. Candidate Patrick Ogwang served as president before handing over the baton to Lambert Etibot in 2014. During the administration of Patrick Ogwang, Lambert Etibot served as the publicity secretary of the community association.

As part of the novelty at Dallas 23, a land forum under the mantra ‘Land Grabbing’ (Ekibba Ettaka), will be held to trigger, share, and gather  ideas that will help end the rampant land grabbing in Uganda. “Because many Ugandans in the Diaspora have fallen victims to this land-grabbing scourge, the forum is coming in handy to help us device ways of protecting our lands in the country,” a landowner in Uganda resident in Dallas told me. The forum will take place on  Saturday from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. It is tailored to address crucial land ownership concerns, offering insights that hold immense significance for the diaspora. The forum will offer solutions to Land Grabbing, Land Scams/Frauds, and Fake Titles,” Richard Muhunde, coordinating the forum stated in an e-mail to the EADM. The Minister of State for Lands Dr. Sam Mayanja will headline the event and also  launch the Land Bureau App to help Ugandans in the Diaspora keep up to speed regarding land matters in Uganda.

The forum will be moderated by Mr. Deo Kalikumutima, a real estate and Lands Expert, and CEO Kalikumutima and Company Advocates. Kalikumutima & Company Advocates are  the official UNAA Legal Representative for UNAA members on Land Matters in Uganda. Other speakers at the forum will include Mr. Chris Tembo, chairman of the Standards Committee of The Uganda National Land Information System; Mr. Lenin Oonyu, the acting head of Uganda National Land Information Center; and Ms. ira Johnson, Assistant Commissioner Land Registration.

The Political forum, a mainstay of the UNAA convention, moderated by Dr. Michael Kaluya, will assume a new format, organizers said. According to Dr. Michael Kaluya, head of the political forum, “the format will be different from the traditional verbal sparring between government representatives and members of the opposition.” Rather, he said, it will be a Q & A with a discussion on matters pertaining to the much-anticipated constitutional review and transition process headlined by Nobert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He will be joined on the panel by MP Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central), Mr. Moses Byaruhanga, Senior Presidential Advisor, Ambassador Robie Kakonge (Ugandan Ambassador to the US), and Dr. Siranda Gerald, EALA Member to the 5th Assembly and Secretary General for the Democratic Party. The forum  will be held on Sunday afternoon.

An enlightening export and import trade summit will this time round serve as the curtain raiser to the UNAA Dallas 23 where the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industrial Development (PACEID) will spend Thursday August 31, 2023 (9:00AM-5.00PM) engaging investment and business leaders in Dallas on how to optimize export and import trade with Uganda. Headlined by Odrek Rwabwogo, a special adviser to the president of Uganda, chairperson of PACEID, an entrepreneur in his own right and Special Adviser to Ugandan President, aims at transforming and creating understanding of Uganda's economic landscape and open doors to new possibilities.

The export and import Trade summit, a precursor to the annual UNAA trade and investment forum,  will be moderated by  Ms. Olivier Kamanzi, chairperson of  African Global Chamber of Commerce. Other speakers will include Ms. Brenda K. Opus, Forum Facilitator, Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industrial Development (PACEID). “The forum will delve deep into the opportunities and strategies that can drive successful export ventures and ignite Industrial Growth,” Mr. Richard Muhunde, the organizer of both the export and export conference and the trade and investment forum stated.

On Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, the 14-year-old Trade and Investment Forum—an event that brings together business and investment visionaries, policy makers, and forward-thinking individuals to explore avenues of growth and collaboration will set the tone and pace of the UNAA Dallas 23 convention. Mr. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is expected to address the forum on Uganda’s tourism potential. Coordinated by Mr. Richard Muhunde, a business specialist and trainer based in Dallas, it features panels and discussions highlighting opportunities in Tourism,Real Estate;  Stock Markets; Healthcare; Agriculture; E-commerce; Event Planning; Venture Capital; Retail; and Oil and Petroleum opportunities in Uganda.

Sessions will feature high profile business leaders, experts, and specialists in diverse corporate endeavors including Mr. JP Budler of  Global Livestock Solutions (Bio at), Mr. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Ms. Peace. K. Ayebazibwe of Housing Finance; Mr. Anthony Kituuka of Equity Bank; and Mr. Julius Kakeeto of Postbank Uganda. The forum will offer opportunities for networking with like-minded individuals who share similar passions for growth and investment. “The forum will also help individuals to dive into and explore Agriculture Prospects  including investments in coffee, cocoa, fruits, and vegetables,” Mr. Richard Muhunde told me.

Equally, the forum will help investors uncover business opportunities in the nascent but booming tourism sector and its lucrative possibilities. “Industry experts from banking to real estate will inform and guide participants through varied investment avenues and set them on a clear gateway to discovery, collaboration, and growth,” Mr. Muhunde assured.

Meanwhile, the UNAA Interfaith Service will be held on Sunday morning under a theme derived from  Psalm 126:1, “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” A mass Choir directed by Pastor Hope Sekizivu will lead in the praise and worship during the service. It will be complimented with a live band featuring gospel artistes including Emma Muzoora, Martha Musinguzi, Joshua Poro, and Elisha Kamugisha. Rev. Robert Magoola and Pastor John Musoke will deliver the sermons at the service. Pastor Nancy Abesiga will serve as the MC of the event. According to Pastor Bazanye, “People of all faiths are welcome to the service to worship and thank God for what He has done for all of us.”

This year’s UNAA Family Forum, running on the theme: “Creating a Stronger Community through Empowered Families,” will take place on Sunday September 3rd, '23. 1pm-3pm. Coordinating the event is Mrs. Daphine Kirungi Rutehenda, former UNAA Council Representative for the SOUTH-WEST REGION 2. “The forum welcomes everybody from all households regardless of gender, education, religion, race and orientation,” Mrs. Rutehenda told me in a brief phone interview. Several speakers who will address the forum include Mrs. Tibba Murungi Kabugu, Founder of Miss Uganda North America;  Ms. Willow Watson of Endiiro Coffee; Ms. Darla Lorance, the Massachusetts-based  counsellor; Mr. Simon Ssenkaayi: Ugandan-based Life and Business Coach; and Ms. Kalungi Kasujja, BSN/RN. The forum will discuss topics including financial empowerment, life of African Youths in the Diaspora, Healthy Relationships, marriages, Raising Children, Blended Family Challenges, divorce, Living a Single Life, Mental Health Awareness, And much more.

Meanwhile, the UNAA YOUTH PROGRAM 2023 will take place on  Saturday 2nd September featuring a soccer tournament, swimming Competition, basketball Tournament, and dodge Ball. The sports events will take place at the Samuell-Grand Recreation Center, 6200 E Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75223. Other activities will include – Karaoke, Board games, and Literature Competition.

The UNAA Technology FORUM, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary since its founding in Dallas, Texas in 2013, will be held under the theme: “From Idea to Reality. Navigating The entrepreneurial Journey.” It will be a Two Day Experience starting on Friday September 01 to Saturday September 02. The forum will feature Speakers, Fireside Chats, Panels, Hands on Experiences, and much more! It will be headlined by technology enthusiast and advocate Mr. Muhammad Nsereko (Member of Parliament for Kampala Central), Mr. Paul Kirungi, Entrepreneur, Founder of Zofi Cash.

Other speakers will include Mr. David Okang: Diaspora-Based IT Educational Trainer,  Mr. Robert Kiggundu, Head of the UNAA Tech Forum, Mr. George Kakaire, Diaspora-based Engineering Architectural Consultant, Mrs. Mauricia Kayizzi: Head of Global Product Management - Engie Energy Access, Mr. Geoffrey Kiboneka,  Venture Capitalist, Co-Founder of Benue Capital, Mr. Brian Kayongo, Boston, MA based Serial Entrepreneur and Real Estate Mogul, Mrs. Georgina Nyakairu Kirunda,  UNAA Council Member, Data Scientist and AI Technology Advocate, and Mr. Mike Ninda Mukasa, UNAA Council Speaker, Army Veteran, Cyber Security Specialist.

Meanwhile, during the 3-day convention, Friday September 1st  to  Sunday 3rd, National ID (Ndaga Muntu) Registration and Consular Services will be provided from 9:00AM to 5:00PM by Uganda Embassy staff based in Washington DC and officials from the Citizenship and Immigration Board from Kampala. At the same time, those who applied for IDs during previous registration drives will pick-up ready National IDs while those seeking cards will be able to fill out new applications. According to official guidelines, documents required for Registration include  a duly completed NIRA form 3 (Available on Site),  while proof of citizenship documents required include a Ugandan Passport,  a Certified Copy of The Birth Certificate, a copy of a National ID of one or both Parents. If both parents are deceased or do not have National IDs, a National ID copy of a blood relative such as an uncle, auntie are accepted.

But beyond the novelty, glitz,  and glamor, some drama is already playing out at this year’s UNAA Convention in Dallas. It is not unusual. It is trending in the wake of a well-established history of drama where both of the previous two conventions were not without enduring farcical episodes. This won’t be a fairy tale. Dallas has done it twice before. It is going to do it for the third time of asking. The first two conventions were not short of glamor and drama. First it was in 1990 when Dallas hosted the ‘second’ UNAA convention (Thanksgiving dinner). Disagreements that emerged from that event over the roles of a committee that was selected to write the association’s constitution have endured to this day. Bad blood is still running fast and hot between the key figures who organized that convention that any attempt to bring them together may degenerate into fist fights. Verbal insults have already been traded between the key leaders and have become the norm for those privies to the history of interactions between the antagonists.

Second, it was in 2013 when Dallas played host at the Omni Hotel, near to this year’s venue, the Hilton Anatole. It was an election year that pitted incumbent and the ‘aristocratic’ candidate Francis Senoga against the youthful and neophyte Brian Kwesiga and the ‘learned’ Joseph Musoke. Mr. Brian Kwesiga was declared winner and the results were contested. During the banquet, the police were called in to quell down some fractious incident but the escalation led to shutting down the fete and all revelers were ordered to leave the hall.

Meanwhile, dissatisfied supporters of Mr. Ssennoga protested the election results for the UNAA Council but the BOT intervention was dismissed by Kwesiga. How can an unelected body(the BOT) give directions to an elected and legitimate executive (president) was the question and mantra on the lips of Kwesiga supporters. Weeks later eight of the UNAA council members walked out of UNAA and formed what they called the UNAA Causes. Some of the eight council members have since returned to UNAA, one was stripped of his membership, and one or two returned to Uganda.

Meanwhile, UNAA, split and wounded, moved on with the strong-headed Kwesiga leading a dogged fight with the BOT led by Dr. Muniini Mulera. Fed-up with the feud,  Dr. Mulera and some members of his BOT resigned but two members, allied to Kwesiga, remained. The embattled Kwesiga quickly appointed a new BOT chair, another Canadian-based doctor Joseph Buwembo. The impact of that split endures to date. Even the resilient Kwesiga could not hang on any longer. He was burnt out and quit after one term when he could have easily won a second term in New Orleans in 2015 when the voters’ register had only a little over 100 UNAA members in good standing. But the damage was done. The drama from Dallas has endured. We appear to have come full circle! Same actors, distinct roles. The restoration of the aristocracy appears complete.

Ironically, Dallas, more than any other city in the USA,  seems to have gained tremendously from its orchestrated saga. For starters, Dallas has produced 3 UNAA presidents; engineer David Mureeba, Mr. Brian Kwesiga, and Mr. Monday Atigo. And by every measure, Dallas will produce the fourth UNAA president by the dawn of day, Monday. It will be either Mr. Lambert Etibot or Mr. Patrick Ogwang. You can take that to the bank! Dallas has also produced a vice president of UNAA (Mr. Monday Atigo), three powerful executive secretaries; Mrs. Aisha Musoke Mugga, Mr. Peter Mukunya, and Mr. Lambert Etibot.

Dallas is also on the brink of producing the second treasurer after Dr. Abu Senkayi , the first ever elected treasurer of UNAA(1993-1997). The two candidates vying for the position of treasure are all Dallas residents including incumbent Mr. Nsereko and Mr. Nyeko. So, give it to Dallas for its dazzling brilliance! During UNAA 2023, the elections pit the current executive secretary Lambert Etibot against former director of development Patrick Ogwang. Signs of an exciting UNAA drama  in Dallas are written over the entire process. Will this be any different? Could it be the third round of novelty, glamor, and drama in Dallas? Watch this space!