Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Don Yamamoto provided remarks at the Ugandans of North America Association’s (UNAA) annual convention. Speaking before a scheduled presidential debate, PDAS Yamamoto praised Uganda for its commitment to regional security calling it a "model" for the rest of Africa. He also expressed support for a 2011 election that is "free, fair and transparent". The presidential debate featured high-profile Ugandan contenders including the Minister of State for International Affairs representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the major opposition parties.
Several representatives from AF/PDPA also attended the conference to network with some of the approximately 1000 representatives of the Ugandan Diaspora. Ugandans living in North America are a diverse community of business professionals, educators, students, physicians and entrepreneurs. Several vendors showcased handmade jewelry, clothing/accessories, Ugandan mountain coffee, investment opportunities, baskets and fabric from the East African Community. Representatives from this strong African Diaspora contribute almost $1 billion of remittances to Uganda. (Nicole Peacock AF/PDPA)
The full provisional schedule for the convention can be viewed here: http://www.unaa.org/do/scheduling.jsp
