Dear UNAA members and friends of UNAA,

As I conclude my term as UNAA Executive Secretary, I would like to convey my gratitude to all of you for your support and guidance during my service (2019 – 2023).

As I embark on a journey to become your next UNAA President (2023-2025), I humbly ask for the same support that you accorded me during the 2019 and 2021 elections and together we can continue to strengthen and improve this wonderful diaspora organization – UNAA.

My vision is to fully transform UNAA into a self-reliant entity and to ensure that we continue to grow its membership and its programs. I believe that UNAA will make more impact to its members as a service driven value-based non-profit organization ensuring continuity on its progressive path which will be achieved through honest, credible, transparent and experienced Leadership.

With our current leadership under President Henrietta Nairuba Wamala, UNAA has accomplished the following:

• Introduced a UNAA repatriation program and group life insurance program which has grown to nearly 500+ members
• Restored fiscal discipline, integrity and transparency in UNAA financial systems, filed all back taxes and have consistently posted UNAA financials on the website.
• Incorporated a Membership system to the UNAA website.
• Continued to foster unity by welcoming members who had previously deserted the organization for various reasons.
• Partnered with the Uganda Embassy and NIRA to carryout National ID Registration drives.
• Addressed social issues by holding educative and informative forums on social issues such as mental health, drug abuse etc.
• Introduced the UNAA App with the goal of improving our communications and service provision.
• Held the first UNAA virtual online convention in 2020.
• Formed a youth mentorship program and committee.
• Introduced the UNAA Business week to promote Ugandan owned business within our communities.
• Formed Partnerships with other immigrant and membership-based organizations such as Africa future summit, East African Chamber, African American Chamber of Commerce etc.
• Attracted more new sponsors even with the Post Covid pandemic, such as Endiiro Coffee, Makerere University, Eiton Capital, Housing Finance Bank, PostBank, Equity bank, Cultural Group Benefits Insurance Program, World Remit, Immigration Guide, Kalikumutima Advocates etc.
• Advocated for Diaspora rights such as the ability to vote in Uganda elections, also advocated for fee revisions for dual citizenship.
• Provided a database of Immigration Lawyers providing free guidance and representation.

As your next UNAA President, I will ensure that these achievements are maintained and strengthened and that UNAA continues to put her members first, in so doing, I also commit to the following;

Ø  I would like to emphasize that Transparency and accountability will continue to be our top priority under my leadership.

Ø  I will continue to boost UNAA Membership by building a strong relationship with our local chapter leaders and engaging in strategic discussions on their community interests as well as challenges.

Ø  I will continue to ensure that UNAA continues to champion trade and investment relations for Ugandan owned Businesses in Uganda, Canada and North America. This will be through our Trade and Investment Program.

Ø  The Ugandan Diaspora is full of talented individuals and with that, I will ensure that we create a platform for talent recognition, identify opportunities for them and create the necessary connections to foster their growth.

Ø  Education and scholarships – We are already researching exchange and alumni programs with some Ugandan Colleges and Universities. I will ensure that scholarship opportunities are shared with our UNAA Membership and we’ll continue to hold education forums.

Ø  As I have done in the past, I will ensure that the UNAA Convention programming stays relevant to UNAA members and as we have done in the past, UNAA Members get value for money every time they attend Conventions. This will be achieved through surveys and open feedback.

Lastly, I would like to thank the different leadership branches of UNAA like the UNAA Executive, the UNAA Council, UNAA Board of Trustees, Constitutional Review Committee, Electoral Commission, Disciplinary Committee, the Local Chapter leaders, for your enthusiasm and dedication to serving UNAA members.

Remember United we will always stand – UNAA

Best regards,

Lambert Etibot

Incoming UNAA President 2023-2025