Over the past 14 years, the holiday season in Uganda, synonymous with an influx of diasporans popping in to celebrate with loved ones has been incomplete without Ronnie Mayanja’s iconic Uganda Diaspora Homecoming and Business Breakfast.
Despite UNAA’s longevity and reputation as the oldest Ugandan Diaspora organization, Mayanja is arguably the leading Private Ugandan Diaspora Community Events organizer with close to a quarter of a century of uninterrupted experience.
Through his annual Kampala Uganda Diaspora Homecoming Galas, as well as Business Breakfasts, Ronnie Mayanja facilitates networking and investment, in addition to highlighting influential figures from the Ugandan diaspora.
“Excellence should be celebrated, ” he declares, about his Annual Diaspora Award Ceremony, one that spotlights Ugandans excelling around the world.
In 2010, he launched the inaugural New England Business Expo & Investment Summit, held in Boston to facilitate connections between Ugandan and North American investors, and business leaders.
“I launched the landmark conventions of the Uganda Canadian Business Expo & Convention in Vancouver (2012), and Toronto (2018-2019) which have also since expanded to Ottawa and Kampala,” he notes.
Other ventures
Mayanja’s influence extends beyond event organization. He has spent over two decades bringing together Ugandans abroad, with their homeland using the Uganda Diaspora Network media channel.
The news portal, launched soon after he left work at CNN has today morphed into a widely-read online platform, reaching over 100 countries. Asked why he would walk away from a dream job at an internationally recognized media house he simply says “the American corporate was not for me”
Today, Uganda Diaspora Network serves as an essential digital hub- for Ugandans and friends of Uganda, highlighting inspirational stories, and community achievements.
Leadership
Mayanja has previously served two terms on the Uganda North American Association (UNAA). Having sat on the Board of Directors playing a pivotal role in policy development.
“I contributed to key reforms such as establishing the UNAA constitutional review commission, which led to the creation of the UNAA Board of Trustees and UNAA Council” he says
Additionally, his role on the East African Chamber of Commerce (EACC) Board in Dallas, enhanced regional trade initiatives.
Media honors
With an extensive and humble background in journalism, Mayanja has had his imprint on Uganda’s media landscape, from the trenches of radio DJay ing to distinguished career roles at CNN.
“I was a radio DJ at Capital FM and Station Manager at WBS Television, (both in Uganda), and Assignment Editor at CNN International Desk in Atlanta”
Mayanja was instrumental in Uganda’s 2011 and 2016 election broadcasts, consulting for leading TV networks such as NTV and NBS. He also co-pioneered NBS’s renowned current affairs show- ‘Frontline’ with noted journalist Charles Odongtho.
Mayanja’s experience embodies what Ugandans can achieve when grit and hardwork meet a level playing field.
