The Uganda High Commission London took centre stage yesterday as it joined African diplomatic missions in London to mark Africa Day at the Novotel Hotel in Hammersmith.
The gathering, chaired by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Retired Colonel Christian Katsande who is the longest-serving African Ambassador to the UK brought together over 300 guests to celebrate African unity, culture, and enterprise.
Under the theme of “African solidarity and heritage”, the mission transformed its exhibition stall into a vivid window to Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures.
The highlight was a stunning creative art display of Mgahinga Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The piece drew crowds and awed participants, giving them a true impression of the Pearl of Africa’s wild beauty without leaving London.
The Ugandan stall quickly became one of the busiest on the floor.
Visitors sampled products already on UK shelves and online platforms like Amazon. Grandma’s Garden dried fruits drew strong praise, while Afrikaba dried Jackfruit emerged as the standout favourite, followed closely by Kapeeka’s sweet pineapple.
On the beverages front, Uganda’s spirits made an equally bold impression. Guests feasted on Kakira gin and rum, alongside Uganda Waragi in all flavours, with the lemon and ginger variants being the top of the day. The reaction was so enthusiastic that the table was cleared by guests long before the event ended.
Uganda’s participation was crowned on the international runway as the Mission showcased the vibrant, beaded Karamojong attire. The bold colours and craftsmanship sparked immediate interest, with many guests expressing a desire to visit Karamoja to experience the culture, hospitality, and landscapes firsthand.
Africa Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity and to showcase the continent’s diversity. Uganda’s presence underscored its commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and cultural diplomacy in the UK.
With the interest generated in Uganda’s wildlife, agricultural products, and living culture, the High Commission is optimistic that this year’s Africa Day will translate into more visitors, stronger trade links, and deeper people-to-people connections between Uganda and the UK. The Pearl of Africa, it seems, is well and truly shining in London.
