Ugandans in the Netherlands celebrate end of year before end of year

Last Saturday 12 December 2009 the Ugandan community celebrated the end of year in style. The party was held at Daalwijk 100A in Amsterdam South East. By 6.00pm the gates were open, but guests started half an hour later. They were treated to coffee and tea as they waited for their dinner.

The guest of honour was honourable Sam Kalega Njuba, the Member of Parliament for Nangabo constituency, which lies in the North of Kampala city in Uganda. At 7.30 pm Daudi Mukasa, opened the function with a prayer after which, dinner was served.

After dinner, we were treated to Ngoma Nganda (traditional ganda drums). I was seated near the chief guest, but I couldn’t resist jumping from my seat, removing my coat and dashing to the floor to gyrate my body in rhythm with the sound of the drums. My wife immediately joined me and other people too.

The Board of Pearl of Africa had prior to the function identified 3 outstanding Ugandans to be recognized this night. The first was Lameka Nkangi, a Ugandan who has been here for quite a long period of time. He earned recognition because his house is always open to Ugandans in need of shelter, food or companionship. He has never closed doors of his house on anyone all the years he has been in this country.

The second one is Eddie Bukenya. He is a music promoter. In the last one year, he has successfully brought around 10 leading artists from Uganda. He has organized more concerts in the last one-year than those organized by different people in the last 10 years.

The third is Joan, Kitto Ziwedde, a Ugandan living in Rotterdam. She was previously married to a Dutchman who brought her here from Uganda. She has managed to put up a primary school in Mukono District within a period of one year. She calls it after her main sponsor Peters primary school. She already has 250 pupils, a computer laboratory, a dining where food is served, classes and now 2 dormitories are being built to house both boys and girls in the boarding section.

After recognizing these people, leaders of organizations supporting Uganda immigrants were called to greet the people. Richard Mulindwa of Ofuga was absent and had no representation. However, Nedas, Agali Awamu, Mama Watoto and Pearl of Africa briefly presented what their organizations are all about.

3 researchers from the University of Amsterdam were also in attendance. They did their research from Uganda in summer. Guido van Diepen, Wouter Dijkstra and Ben White. The last 2 briefly shared with the audience their experiences while in Uganda.

The second last item was voting for miss Uganda 2010. This year we had many contestants including: Irene Luzinda, Grace Mugisha, Vickie, Natasha and Zam. Many women nominated were rejected because they were married. The contestants were given time to talk about themselves and what they will do for Uganda and later asked to go out. Irene Luzinda won and outgoing miss Uganda Hafsa Musoni crowned her. Irene dedicated her win and all her presents to her mother Rebecca Luzinda.

Later the chairman pearl of Africa invited the guest of honour honourable Sam Kalega Njuba to address the Ugandans. He talked about what brought him to Europe and specifically to Amsterdam. He also talked about his history in politics and how he abandoned the NRM party. A few questions mostly over the land bill were put to him, but he answered all of them satisfactorily.

After his speech, he opened the dance, and it was all dancing until the next morning. I am told some celebrants from the party in the morning just went to church for the Sunday prayers!