The Uganda High Commission in London, in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board, organised a networking dinner and travel gala with Ugandan travel trade representatives on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Millennium Hotel, Harrington Gardens.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel, Lord Rami Ranger, former MP Virendra Sharma, along with other dignitaries and members of the Ugandan diaspora.
The evening included a live performance by the Bantu Band, setting the tone for an event. The highlight was a dynamic performance by Sheebah Karungi, Uganda’s celebrated singer and dancer.
“Tonight is not just a celebration, it is a statement”
At the start of the event, Her Excellency Ambassador Nimisha J Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the United Kingdom said, “Good evening, and welcome to the very first Uganda Gala Tourist Night here in the vibrant city of London! It fills me with great pride and joy to stand before you tonight, as we gather to celebrate Uganda, our beloved Pearl of Africa.”
She thanked colleagues, partners, and the Ugandan diaspora, saying, “Allow me to express our deepest appreciation to my colleagues at the Uganda High Commission in London, Uganda Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, our sponsors and partners, and the Ugandan diaspora community in the UK for their dedication and passion. To Ms Juliana Kagwa, the new Executive Director of Uganda Tourist Board, and your team, for bringing renewed energy to the promotion of our beautiful Uganda, Heaven on earth here in gloomy cold grey United Kingdom.”
The Ambassador expressed her delight at the attendance, “It is an absolute honour to see so many faces gathered tonight, united by our shared love for culture, adventure, and the Pearl of Africa.”
She emphasised the purpose of the evening and said, “Tonight is not just a celebration, it is a statement. A statement that Uganda is open, alive, and ready to share her beauty with the world. This is the vision and leadership of His Excellency President Museveni.”
Highlighting Uganda’s natural beauty HE Madhvani said, “From Gatwick to Entebbe on our direct Uganda Airlines flights to the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, from the mighty Nile that begins its journey in Jinja to the breathtaking gorillas of Bwindi, Uganda is a land of discovery, diversity, and deep human warmth.”
She spoke of the spirit of the Ugandan people, “Our people, smiling, welcoming, and resilient, are the heartbeat of our nation. Sir Winston Churchill, after visiting Uganda, called it ‘the Pearl of Africa.’ And more than a century later, that title still rings true.”
She also noted the gala’s significance, “This gala marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we tell Uganda’s story to the world. We are here to showcase not just our destinations, but our identity, our music, art, cuisine, and the soul of our nation.”
Ms Madhvani invited the world to engage with Uganda, saying, “We invite the world to explore Uganda, to invest in her potential, and to experience her wonder firsthand.”
Emphasising tourism’s impact, she said, “Tourism creates jobs, empowers communities, and builds bridges between nations… it is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and opportunities.”
On the experience of visiting Uganda, she added, “Visitors don’t just see a place; they feel a connection and leave carrying a piece of our home in their hearts.”
The Ambassador celebrated the partnership between nations, said, “And so tonight, we celebrate that bridge; between Uganda and the United Kingdom, Ireland between our past and our future, between dream and reality.”
She highlighted sustainability, said,“For Uganda, it is also a story of conservation and sustainability, protecting our wildlife and landscapes while sharing their beauty responsibly with the world.”
She thanked the guests for their support, saying, “Your passion keeps our flag flying high beyond our borders. To our visitors here tonight, thank you for believing in the beauty of Uganda.”
Encouraging travel, HE Nimisha Madhvani said, “We invite you to visit, to explore, and to tell others: that the Pearl of Africa shines brighter than ever.”
She reminded attendees of Uganda’s story, saying, “Tourism begins with a story and each of us is a storyteller. Let’s tell Uganda’s story with pride, celebrate her beauty, her people, and her promise, and make tonight the beginning of a journey that brings the world closer to the heart of Africa.”
She concluded with an invitation and assurance, saying, “I look forward to welcoming you all to Uganda, and our mission in London issues visas within 72 hours as long as you have submitted all the correct documents.”
