On June 28, 2025, the Oklahoma Ugandan Association (OUA) in Tulsa experienced a long awaited and yet bittersweet transition in its esteemed leadership.
The event was like a fine tapestry, woven together by threads of gratitude, and anticipation with seams of grief oddly latching onto its beauty.
The Oklahoma Ugandan Association is the Oklahoma chapter of the Ugandan North American Association. It is a non-profit organization with the primary purpose of fostering a sense of belonging as well as acclimating recently migrated Ugandans to the local community.
Prior to its conception, individuals in the Ugandan community saw a noticeable gap to be filled in the efficacy of community infrastructure to promote the ideals of sustained growth and success of its people. In a bid to promote said progress and cultural preservation, the OUA was formed.
Since its genesis, a handful of the community are periodically mantled with the responsibility to shoulder the dream of having people that are thriving despite being in a foreign land. This is primarily through outreach and referrals. The impact of this is astronomical.
Countless Ugandans in Tulsa have testified how beneficial it has been to have a support system in place for them to achieve greater heights. These efforts are largely owing to the official committee of the OUA who have made it its obligation to build its people in a system that often tries to break them down.
The evening started with light conversations among the community members as well as a warm welcome to its newcomers. Joseph Ochwo, the outgoing president of the committee, gave a short and yet compelling speech in which he urged everyone in attendance in the community to remain resilient amid unfamiliarity and hold on to their aspirations.
He also encouraged the community members to be intentional about forming relationships, which he believes will foster care and accountability within the community. Furthermore, he reminds the community that the purpose of its gathering is not primarily for entertainment but to ensure that shared objectives are met.
In his final remarks, Ochwo attested that leadership is a team effort and is not relegated only to those with positional authority but rather is a shared responsibility. Ultimately, he looks forward to the continuity of the community.
Following this heartfelt speech, the incoming committee was introduced and was given a blessing to begin their work which came in the form of prayer. Thereafter, a moment of celebration consisting of cultural food and music was recognized as a gentle nod to Ugandan heritage and roots.
As the evening came to an end, TCC Connection had a brief conversation with members from both the incoming and outgoing committees to discuss forthcoming prospects. Joseph Ochwo, believes that during his time of service, he strived to create a legacy of community.
“You cannot be a community without unity,” said Ochwo. Considering this, he was glad to witness the support accorded to community members, especially in the face of a crisis.
On the other hand, he anticipates garnering more resources to maximize the potential of the talent within the Ugandan community. According to him, scholarship funds for college students, investment into community startups, as well as community-based life and health insurance plans would be largely beneficial.
Petra Otee, the incoming president, is looking forward to increasing concerted efforts to mentor the Ugandan youth, especially as it pertains to cultural heritage. She envisions doing so through arts, crafts, music, and dance. Nevertheless, Otee understands that such an expansive objective may require assistance, and therefore, she hopes to collaborate with other like-minded institutions, such as the Kenyan and Nigerian communities, to achieve greater results.
Petra Otee has been elected as president of the Oklahoma Ugandan Association. She is eager to increase services and opportunities for the OUA community. (Photo provided by Petra Otee)
Dorcas Kaliisa, the youth representative, is grateful for the strong bond cultivated within the Ugandan community that she likens to a familial relationship. She intends to increase engagement as well as encourage authenticity and autonomy of the Ugandan youth, whom she believes have often taken the back seat in community events. According to Kaliisa, the youth in the community are often only present for what seems to be a gathering for the older generation. However, she looks forward to creating opportunities for the youth to become a more defined, inclusive entity within the community.
The future of the Ugandan community in Oklahoma is brimming with hope as a new dawn emerges. With it comes a promise of a stronger community and exponential growth.
For more information about the Ugandan North American Association, visit https://unaaonline.org/
