Ugandans in the Diaspora International Inc. (UDII) has taken steps that will guarantee hot Uganda style political battles in Washington DC come September. The organization, which was created by UNAA members who supported Capt. Frank Musisi during the last UNAA elections, has announced that they will organize their own Ugandan convention in Washington DC, on September 3–5, 2010. This puts them in direct competition with the NRM sponsored UNAA convention a few miles away. Buganda Post has received a few emails from USA based readers with the UDII convention announcement. Another Ugandan conference on the same weekend is organized by UADA in Boston (see “Competition Between UNAA and UADA Heats Up, Ssenkumba Accused of Hiding In Bu”). UADA was formed by another UNAA election loser, and NRM man Flex Kabuye. However, it was later taken over by a then well financed supporter of Capt. Frank Musisi, Mr. William Senkumba fof Los Angeles. In another twist, Mr.Senkumba hurriedly left California for Bu weeks ago leaving most decision making in the hands of Nixon Andama, Ruth Kobusingye and Alan Rwabogo.
In addition to the above Ugandan convetions, the Baganda also have Ttabamiruka ’10, a conference which is organized and sponsored by Ggwangamujje NY/NJ. Based on the information from www.ttabamiruka.com, the Baganda conference is focused on Buganda and Baganda issues.
As of early February, the principals in UDII were Messrs James Kabonge, Michael Muganga, Kawunde Miti, Fred Kambugu and Dennis Nnyondo, all Baganda Boston (see “UDII Members Respond To Baganda UN Demonstration Story”). The official UDII site, www.ugandansinthediaspora.org does not provide any information on the current leadership or membership of the organization.
The UDII conference announcement is reproduced below without editing.
Ugandans in the Diaspora International Inc. (UDII)
Washington D. C. Labor Day Weekend Conference
Ugandans in the Diaspora International Inc. is organizing a conference on Labor Day weekend – September 3rd – 5th, 2010 at the Westin Washington National Harbor Hotel, in Washington, D.C.
The theme is “The Urgent Need to Effect Political Change in Uganda”
Key topics that will be discussed at the conference include:
1. The current political situation in Uganda in light of the upcoming elections
2. The abuse of the electoral system, and criminalization of the political system
3. Human right abuses
4. The relationship between the Ugandan and the American Governments
5. The massive corruption and misuse of U.S. and other foreign aid to Uganda
The US government has been one of the biggest supporters of the Uganda regime for over 20 years. Without this critical support, the regime would not have survived for the two decades that it has been in power. However, there are now welcome signs that this unconditional support is far from being a permanent fixture. These signs include recent public pronouncements by the US government on democratic governance in Uganda.
Per announcements on Ugandan internet discussion groups, the Uganda government is preparing a massive lobbying effort in Washington, D. C., during and following the UNAA Convention, largely in response to actions taken by the current U.S. Administration, and Congress. The Uganda Government is sending a big delegation to the UNAA Convention which will stay behind after the event to continue its lobbying efforts, at Uganda taxpayer expense, especially with regards to next year’s elections in Uganda. A demonstration against this extravagancy is planned to take place during the conference in Washington, D.C.
It is therefore incumbent on the Ugandans in the United States to inform, educate and prepare the Washington DC establishment about the true nature of the situation in Uganda. This conference is part of this effort. The conference will bring together experts from various organizations, both private and public to discuss the Uganda political situation in detail. UDII will make arrangements for various opposition members attending the Convention to meet with key people in Washington DC to explore how the U.S. government can strengthen the opposition in Uganda in order to foster true democracy in Uganda.
A conference program will be forthcoming. If you plan to attend, please reserve a room at the Westin Washington National Harbor Hotel, phone number, 1-888-627-8104 http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/UGI03A
In preparation for the Conference, please read NRM’s original Ten-Point Program, available on several websites.
If you want to be part of this effort or need further information, please contact us at info@ugandansinthediaspora.org
