The East African Diaspora Media Watch (EADM)

In Summary: It’s take off time. Tooro is on the roll. United it stands. Prides in its culture. Economic transformation buzzes. A renewed purpose is pulpable. Confidence and ambition abound. TAA is assuming a responsibility to shape a stronger future for Tooro and Uganda. They are ready. Bridging Cultures and Igniting Innovation through STEM, Tourism, and Trade, Tooro-American Association is experiencing her eureka moment. Support and applaud them. Dallas did. Do you?

By Samuel Muwanguzi, photos by Claire Mutebi, and content management by Ronnie Byaruhanga. 

Dallas, Texas — The Tooro-American community closed its 5th biennial Tooro-American Association (TAA) convention with renewed purpose and a shared commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and economic transformation. “Our legacy will be measured not only by the milestones we reach, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open for those who follow,” TAA Chairman George Tom Balinda Akiiki declared as the three-day gathering concluded over Memorial Day weekend. “TAA’s commitment to unity, cultural pride, and collective progress is total, and we are confident in what the diaspora will achieve together.”

Addressing dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the diaspora, Mr. Balinda Akiiki emphasized the organization’s expanding influence and its responsibility to shape a stronger future for Tooro and Uganda. The convention drew high-profile delegates , including Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki Farquharson, her husband Duke Phillip Farquharson, Uganda’s Ambassador to Washington, D.C., Robie Kakonge Akiiki, and Tooro Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who joined the royal dinner via video link.

A Strong and United Diaspora

Mr. Tom Balinda Akiiki, a mechanical engineer by profession, reported significant growth in TAA’s membership, cultural engagement, and community support over the past two years. “The state of our union is strong, united, and sound,” he declared, noting that the diaspora’s collective efforts continue to uplift families and expand Tooro’s global footprint.

Engineer Balinda likened TAA to a river formed by countless drops of water—an ever-growing force shaped by shared ideas, dedication, and collaboration. A theme focused convention on STEM(tourism, and trade)-“Bridging Cultures and Igniting Innovation through STEM, Tourism, and Trade,” guided the convention’s discussions and workshops. STEM, Akiiki said, is essential for preparing Tooro’s youth to compete globally as creators and problem solvers through science, technology, and mathematics.

He observed that tourism offers a platform to showcase Tooro’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality while generating economic opportunity, adding, “Trade strengthens ties between the diaspora and Ugandan entrepreneurs, transforming remittances into sustainable development.” Moving forward, engineer Balinda Akiiki urged participants to share expertise, build partnerships, and champion initiatives that honor Tooro’s heritage while embracing innovation.

While calling for Sustainable Financial Support,  Eng. Tom George Balinda Akiiki underscored the need for long-term financial stability, noting that TAA currently relies heavily on membership dues, donations, and occasional sponsorships. He encouraged members to see themselves as “co-architects” of the organization’s future and to contribute ideas and resources that will sustain Tooro-American Association for generations.

In capping his  starring address   with tributes and acknowledgments to all who ensured that TAA 2026 in Dallas was a roaring success, the TAA chief extended heartfelt appreciation to key dignitaries including Her Majesty  Princess Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki  and Duke Phillip Farquharson for their work in health, education, and cultural preservation.

Eng. Balinda paid tribute to Prime Minister Rwomiire Akiiki for representing, virtually, Omukama Oyo Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and Queen Mother Best Kemigisa at the convention.

Ambassador Robie Kakonge for her open-door policy and continued support to Ugandans in the diaspora.

Eng. Tom George Balinda Akiiki also praised the TAA Executive, Board, and the Texas-based Convention Organizing Committee for their dedication, as well as sponsors, vendors, and the Embassy Suites Grapevine for their hospitality.  Looking ahead, The TAA chief executive urged members to carry the convention’s momentum forward. “Our legacy will be measured not only by the milestones we reach, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open for those who follow,” he reiterated. He reaffirmed TAA’s commitment to unity, cultural pride, and collective progress, expressing confidence in what the diaspora can accomplish together.

In a speech delivered via video link, the prime minister (Omuhikirwa) of Tooro, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki reaffirmed His Majesty King Oyo’s long-term vision for  a prosperous, healthy, and culturally vibrant Tooro—now outlined in the Kingdom’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, which prioritizes “health, education, tourism, youth empowerment, enterprise development, and institutional strengthening,” he said.

Delivering a rousing call to unity and action, Prime Minister  Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who could not attend the convention due to the Ebola outbreak in the region, was warm, candid, and deeply aspirational in message and tone: You are “abaana bomuka” whose achievements abroad continue to uplift Tooro’s name, emphasizing that physical distance has never weakened their bond with home. “The diaspora is the missing link in unlocking the full potential of our Kingdom,” he said, urging Batooro abroad to recognize their collective power as a bridge to global opportunities.

His inspirational message capped the tone for a convention focused on identity, responsibility, and the future of Tooro. While focusing on Tourism, Culture, and the Power of Heritage, the Prime Minister spotlighted tourism as one of Tooro’s most immediate economic opportunities. From the sacred Royal Tombs to the legacy of Sir George Rukidi III and the Muchwa Rukurato, Tooro’s cultural and historical assets offer immense potential if preserved and developed with intention. He invited the diaspora to help elevate Empango—the King’s coronation anniversary—into a globally recognized cultural event, calling it “the living heartbeat of Tooro.”

Branding investments in agriculture as ‘building to own and not just to support’, prime minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki told his virtual audience that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Tooro’s economic transformation. “With fertile land suitable for coffee, cocoa, fruit production, and modern cattle farming, the Kingdom is encouraging the Diaspora-led investment in large-scale, commercially viable agricultural ventures,” the prime minister said. To coordinate these efforts, the Kingdom is exploring a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will allow Batooro and friends of Tooro to invest transparently and sustainably in projects ranging from healthcare and tourism to real estate and youth innovation. “Through this vehicle, you are not simply donating—you are participating, investing, and helping build,” he emphasized.

A Shared Responsibility for Tooro’s Future

The Omuhikirwa Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki reminded the delegates that “home” is not just a place of origin but a shared responsibility,” challenging the Batooro to “organize, develop proposals, and collaborate with the Kingdom ahead of the Mpango in September, ensuring that their next gathering in Tooro is marked not by discussions but by the launch of concrete initiatives,” he said. “We do not have the luxury of time,” he pointed, adding, “This generation must act with urgency, purpose, and unity.” Closing with a powerful appeal, prime minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki said: “history should remember this generation as the one that answered the Kingdom’s call when it mattered most.”

Uganda’s ambassador to the United States Robie Kakonge Akiiki, a daughter of the soil in her own right, served as  the perfect diplomat and marketing specialist for Tooro and Uganda in general. “I am a daughter of Tooro,” she disclosed, adding, “my mother  is a Mutooro and my father is a Munyoro.” So, “I am among my people;  Batooro, Banyoro, and Ugandans from across the country,” she said drawing prolonged applause. Turning to her elevator pitch, she declared: “You the Batooro and Ugandans in the Diaspora are the frontline ambassadors of Tooro and Uganda in marketing and attracting tourists and investors to Tooro and Uganda,” adding, “the embassy only facilitates and provides information but you do  most of the  legwork and I  want to applaud you for  what you do and  plan to do  to promote  Tooro and Uganda.” She challenged the Batooro Diaspora to engage in sports tourism  by promoting the Rwenzori marathon to attract world class athletes, global participation,  and huge sponsorships so that Tooro can showcase her irresistible natural and physical beauty  to the global audiences.

Ambassador Robie Kakonge Akiiki, described as ‘the coolest’ ambassador Uganda has ever assigned to  the role, spent every moment for the three days she spent at the convention to passionately promote trade and investment in Tooro and Uganda in general to the  delegates, investors, entrepreneurs, and the friends of the Tooro Diaspora who attended the various events at the Embassy Suites in Grapevine near Dallas, Texas.

In an impassioned call for unity, investment, and cultural preservation,  Her Royal Highness Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki Farquharson urged the Batooro abroad to take a more deliberate role in advancing the Kingdom’s development agenda. Speaking both as the Batebe of Tooro and as a fellow member of the diaspora now living in Texas with her husband and child, Princess Komuntale emphasized the shared experience of building a life far from home while remaining deeply connected to Tooro’s heritage.

“I understand the longing for home, and the responsibility we carry to remain connected to it,” she said, noting that distance has never diminished the Kingdom’s presence in the hearts of its people. She reminded delegates that Tooro’s identity lives on through its people — in their language, values, traditions, and the way they raise their children. “The diaspora is not separate from Tooro but is an extension of it,” she said, describing the global Tooro community as a powerful network with the potential to influence the Kingdom’s future.

Consistent with the convention theme, Princess Komuntale highlighted diaspora investment as one of the most transformative avenues for impact, urging Batooro abroad to contribute not only financially but also through ideas, mentorship, partnerships, and long-term engagement. Tourism, she noted,  remains one of Tooro’s most promising growth sectors.

Drawing on her experience as Uganda’s Tourism Ambassador, she underlined the rising international interest in destinations rich in culture and natural beauty. “Tooro has something truly special to offer,” she said, calling on the diaspora to serve as ambassadors who can open doors for visitors, investors, and collaborators. She also pointed to opportunities in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and enterprise as areas where diaspora expertise could accelerate progress.

Echoing similar calls made by the TAA chair engineer Tom Balinda Akiiki, Ambassador Robie Kakonge Akiiki, and prime minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, the Princess also underscored the importance of passing Tooro’s heritage to the next generation. As a mother, she said the responsibility to preserve language, values, and cultural pride is deeply personal. “We must ensure that even as they grow up far from home, they never feel disconnected from it,” she urged.