ONTARIO, CANADA
The Uganda High Commission Ottawa is strengthening engagement with the Ugandan diaspora and businesses with links to Uganda, as part of efforts to promote Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, investment, trade and cultural exchange between Uganda and Canada. In this regard, Amb. Allan Kajik, Chargé d’Affaires of the Uganda High Commission Ottawa, visited Mazama by Surati in Scarborough, Ontario, where he toured the establishment and engaged with its leadership on the company’s history, operations and strong connection to the East African community in Canada.
The visit began with an appreciation of Mazama’s culinary offerings, including mogo (cassava) prepared in different forms and presented with a distinctive Ugandan touch. The experience highlighted the role of food as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, preserving heritage while introducing traditional flavors to new markets and generations. The engagement also provided an opportunity to learn about the entrepreneurial journey of an Indian-Canadian business family with roots in Uganda. According to the company’s leadership, the business idea was conceived in Uganda in 1942 and has since grown into an established enterprise serving communities across Canada and the United States.
CEO Haren Sheth highlighted the company’s strong connection with the East African community, noting that approximately 80 percent of its clientele is drawn from East Africa, with Ugandans constituting a significant proportion. The connection presents an important opportunity for Uganda’s economic diplomacy. The diaspora serves not only as a custodian of Uganda’s cultural heritage but also as a valuable partner in promoting trade, investment, tourism, skills transfer and business linkages.
Mazama’s popularity also demonstrates the potential for Ugandan agricultural products and culinary traditions to access international markets through processing, branding and value addition. The incorporation of Ugandan-inspired flavors into a Canadian enterprise illustrates how cultural heritage can be transformed into both a commercial and diplomatic asset. The Uganda High Commission remains committed to engaging the Ugandan diaspora and encouraging greater participation in Uganda’s development through investment, innovation, knowledge exchange, tourism promotion and market linkages.
The visit to Mazama therefore underscored the growing importance of diaspora diplomacy in connecting Uganda’s heritage and entrepreneurial networks with international markets. It further demonstrated how such partnerships can contribute to stronger people-to-people relations, increased trade and investment, and Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda. The High Commission commends the Ugandan diaspora and friends of Uganda in Canada for their continued role in promoting the country’s identity, products and values, and looks forward to building partnerships that translate this goodwill into tangible economic opportunities for Uganda.
Courtesy Photos
