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Once a Munyakigezi, Always a Munyakigezi |
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Welcome to Abanyakigezi, the official website of the International Community of Banyakigezi [ICOB]. Our organisation, now in its 7th year, brings together all the people of Kigezi and all friends of Banyakigezi.
ICOB Boston Convention 2010
The 2010 Annual Convention that was held in Boston, Massachusetts on August 26-29, was attended by more than 150 delegates from Canada, Uganda, UK and USA. The Guest of Honor was Bank of Uganda Governor Tumusiime Mutebile. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Ezra Suruma, a former Ugandan Minister of Finance who is now a Distinguished Visiting Fellow on Global Economy, Development and Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institute, Washington DC.
Also present was Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Uganda's Permanent Representative to the UN, and Mr. Pius Bigirimana, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda.
Dr. Suruma delivered a very well-received keynote address in which he discussed the role of Banyakigezi in development and encouraged them to apply high moral conduct to their personal and collective endeavours. The full text of his speech will be posted on this site shortly.
Among other community leaders who attended the convention were Mr. Moses Wilson, President of the Ugandan North American Association [UNAA]; Mr. Francis Ssennoga, Vice-President of UNAA; Mr. Ed Kironde and Mr. Ronnie Mayanja, Board Members of UNAA; Dr. Michael Kisembo, Chairman of Banyakitara Association, Inc; Mr. Moses Kalemba, former Vice-President of UNAA; and Dr. Richard Mutyabule, Vice Chairman, Boston Twegaite, Inc.
Several leaders of the newly formed Ugandan Diaspora and American Development Association [UADA] attended the final event of the Convention. Among the UADA leaders who attended were Mr. William Ssenkumba, Chairman of UADA, and Ms. Angela Bukenya and Ms. Eddie N. Andama.
ELECTIONS 2010
The Boston Convention was a major milestone in the evolution of ICOB. It witnessed the beginning of the transition from the founding leaders of the organisation to the younger generation. New leaders were chosen in a democratic election that was managed with strict adherence to the principles of transparency and fairness.
The election, which was held on Saturday August 28, 2010, was conducted by Inspectors of election - Dr. Michael Kisembo, Ms. Peace Magabo and Mr. Moses Kalemba - together with Independent Observers - Mr. Ed Kironde, Mrs. Theopista Kalemba and Mr. Jackson Twesigye Kaguri.
The following were elected:
Mr. Johnson Mujungu - President of ICOB
Ms. Ruth K. Ndyabahika - Vice President
Dr. Rita Babihuga - Secretary General
Ms. Margaret Tumusiime - Treasurer
Dr. Frank Byamugisha - Member, Board of Directors
Ms. Ann Karasanyi - Member, Board of Directors
Mr. Andrew Katarikawe - Member, Board of Directors.
The newly elected members of the Board of Directors join Dr. Peter Bikangaga and Ms. Judie Nkuusi who were elected to the Board last year during the Las Vegas Convention.
ICOB 2011 CONVENTION
In his closing remarks at the Boston Convention, Dr. Frank Byamugisha, the former president of ICOB announced that the 2011 Convention will be held in London, England. The exact dates, which will be in the Summer, and the venue will be announced before the end of 2010.
See you in London!
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