The Uganda High Commission in London hosted a vibrant celebration of Uganda's rich heritage on 5th February 2025.
The event showcased Ugandan art, crafts, fashion, and talent through music and dance. Three key exhibitors highlighted the significance of tree conservation and the ecosystem by focusing on Uganda’s magic trees.
Herbert Langalanga of Legge Studios showcased a tree trunk sculpture, explaining the medicinal properties of Uganda’s indigenous trees. Ugandan-born British designer José Hendo impressed attendees with a bark cloth fashion showcase. Nora Kereji, founder of Atura Naturals, highlighted Uganda’s potential as a tourism hub while showcasing her UK-based brand, which uses Naotica shea butter.
During the event, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland and Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani delivered a keynote address, which was a great success. Led by Miriam Pheona Otengo and Jackie Kemirembe, it showcased Uganda’s rich heritage and promoted it as a top tourism destination.
H.E. Nimisha Madhvani praised President Museveni as a visionary leader, culturalist, and historian who values heritage and identity. She highlighted his role in reinstating Ugandan cultural leaders in 1993 after years of political turmoil. Uganda, with its 46 million people and over 50 ethnic groups, boasts a rich cultural heritage that fosters identity, unity, and economic growth.
“Despite ethnic diversity, mutual respect and shared traditions strengthen social bonds. National festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Easter, and Ramadan bring communities together,” she added.
H.E. Nimisha highlighted Uganda’s cultural heritage as a key driver of tourism, attracting visitors to its traditional ceremonies and historical sites. She said, “Uganda is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Kasubi Tombs, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the Rwenzori Mountains—offering both cultural richness and breathtaking natural beauty, with a pleasant climate year-round.” She emphasised the role of traditional ceremonies like the Imbalu circumcision ritual in social harmony and praised Uganda’s iconic Backcloth, once worn by royalty and now gracing global fashion runways. Culture, she noted, not only preserves history but also generates revenue, creates jobs, and educates younger generations about values, ethics, and communal responsibility. She also reflected on Uganda’s culinary diversity and mutual respect for dietary customs, sharing her experience as a Ugandan Hindu vegetarian in a country that embraces Indian, Chinese, and various tribal cuisines while respecting different cultural food traditions.
One of the attendees of the event, Dr Avni Vyas praised H.E. Nimisha Madhvani for her leadership in organising the inaugural Ugandan diaspora convention in Kampala and the recent IMO event, both of which highlighted Uganda’s rich heritage. She described the experience as eye-opening, deepening her connection to the country.
One of her key discoveries was bark cloth, an ancient tradition now being explored for sustainable fashion, supporting reforestation and eco-friendly innovation. She also highlighted initiatives like Watoto, which provides homes and education for orphaned children. "Uganda’s greatest strength is its people and heritage, and these platforms help share its stories," she added.
Dr Manoj Joshi MBE, a third-generation Ugandan Indian who visited Uganda with his niece Avni, praised H.E. Nimisha Madhvani and her team for their dedication to engaging the Ugandan diaspora and promoting President Museveni’s vision for investment and tourism. He highlighted their outreach efforts in showcasing Uganda’s beauty through well-organized events and strategic promotion.
He added, “Her Excellency’s unwavering dedication, vision, and tireless commitment to Uganda’s growth are truly remarkable. She seems to fit 48 hours of work into 24, and her team’s support makes a tremendous impact.”
Reflecting on his return to Uganda after 52 years, Manoj called it an emotional and enlightening experience. He said, “Uganda still holds the vast potential my grandfather saw in 1910, with abundant resources and a young, growing population. However, for tourism and business to thrive, key infrastructure improvements—direct air links, better roads, quality hotels, service stations, and hospitality training—are essential. Reliable medical facilities are also crucial to building visitor trust.”
“Travelling with my wife Bhavna, daughter Megha, sister Jayshree Vyas, and niece Avni three of whom visited Uganda for the first time—made the trip even more special. Uganda is poised for major growth in tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and industry. With rich oil and gas reserves and opportunities in solar and hydroelectric energy, investing in these sectors will create jobs and drive long-term development,” he added.
The Watoto Children's Choir was the entertainment highlight, delivering a vibrant music and dance performance that showcased their talent, energy, and Uganda’s rich culture.
The event was attended by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Dean of African Heads of Missions in the UK, 17 heads of mission, as well as UK politicians and government officials.
