Toronto, ON – African Descent Ontario (ADSON) is proud to announce its Annual African Descent Summit 2025, set to take place in Toronto under the theme “Recognition, Justice, and Development.” This global gathering will bring together people of African descent from around the world to collaborate, celebrate their rich heritage, and address critical issues impacting their communities.

The summit, a flagship event for ADSON, aims to serve as a platform for education, networking, and empowerment. It builds on the organization’s mission to foster cultural identity, advocate for systemic change, and promote sustainable development within African descent communities in Ontario and beyond.

Why This Summit Matters

According to Hope Alice Luyima ADSON was founded to bridge gaps in representation, celebrate African heritage, and tackle systemic inequities faced by African descent populations. The Annual Summit is a cornerstone of this mission, offering a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and develop actionable solutions to pressing challenges.

Key Objectives of the Summit:

• Promote cultural pride and unity among African descent communities.
• Address systemic barriers through policy advocacy and collaboration.
• Create global networks to foster innovation and shared progress.
• Empower individuals with tools and resources for personal and community development.

A Legacy of Success

The 2025 Summit follows the success of past ADSON initiatives, including the Art & Culture International Talent Exhibition held in November 2024. The exhibition, which featured renowned Ugandan artist John Blaq, celebrated the creativity and vibrancy of African descent artists while fostering cultural connections and dialogue.

What Participants Can Expect

The 2025 Summit will feature a dynamic lineup of workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions focusing on themes such as economic empowerment, justice, and cultural preservation. Attendees will have the chance to:

• Network Globally: Connect with influential leaders and changemakers.
• Celebrate Heritage: Engage in cultural showcases highlighting African traditions.
• Gain Resources: Learn about funding, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Shape Policy: Contribute to advocacy efforts for systemic change.

Call to Action: How to Join

All people of African descent are encouraged to apply and take part in this transformative event.

• Register Online: Apply via  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-african-descent-summit-2025-tickets-1012776761557
• Visit the Website: www.africandescenton.org.
• Call/WhatsApp: +1 437 332 5563.

Join the Movement for Change

The Annual African Descent Summit 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a call to action for unity, empowerment, and progress. By attending, participants will not only celebrate their heritage but also contribute to creating a brighter future for African descent communities worldwide.

For more information, visit the website or contact ADSON directly. Together, let’s build a stronger, more united African diaspora.

Media Contact:
African Descent Ontario (ADSON)
Email: info@africandescenton.org
Phone: +1 437 332 5563
Website: www.africandescenton.org

The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the continued detention of journalist Richard Wanambwa, who has been incarcerated at Luzira Murchison Bay Prison since December 2024. Wanambwa, who works for Eagle Online, was arrested on December 11, 2024, and initially held at Kira Road Police Division in Wakiso district before being moved to Nakawa Chief Magistrate Court in Kampala, where he faced multiple charges.

In a protest statement issued by UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda, Wanambwa has been charged with demanding money and property with menace under sections 270 and 273 of the Penal Code Act. The state alleges that Wanambwa demanded $50,000, $30,000, and 72 million Ugandan shillings from Fisher Kasule and Alexander Kibandama on behalf of one Abu Mukasa. Wanambwa has pleaded not guilty to the charges before being remanded to Luzira Prison.

The allegations are reportedly tied to stories Wanambwa published about Vitol Oil Trading Company, which gained exclusive rights to supply fuel to other fuel dealers in Uganda through the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in November 2023. This deal sparked protests from members of parliament and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.

Despite Wanambwa’s constitutional right to apply for bail, his lawyer, Samuel Ocitti, has faced challenges in securing his release due to the absence of the trial magistrate. In response, the UJA has directed its legal team to collaborate with Wanambwa’s defense team and other stakeholders to fight for his freedom.

“The UJA is determined to ensure that Wanambwa is freed immediately and without further delay,” the statement reads. “Journalists should not be silenced by criminal charges for doing their job.”

Wanambwa’s detention brings the number of jailed journalists over stories questioning Vitol to three, joining Alirabaki Sengooba and Dickson Mubiru of Grace Publications, who were also imprisoned but later released on bail thanks to UJA’s support.

The UJA has vowed to continue advocating for press freedom, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists unfairly targeted for their work.

Eron Kiiza, the lawyer of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who was recently convicted and sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt, has vowed not to apologize to the general court-martial to secure his freedom. In an interview with Uganda Radio Network from Kitalya Min Max Prison, where he is currently serving his sentence, Kiiza stated that instead of apologizing, the military should be the one to apologize to him.
“I was tortured badly by the military when they detained me at the General Court Martial. It is they who have to apologize for violating my rights. That option of apologizing to them is totally off the table,” Kiiza said. He confirmed that indeed, the President of the Uganda Law Society Isaac Ssemakadde had visited him in prison and told him they were trying to engage the system at the highest level to see that Kiiza is released and all he had to do was apologize for his conduct and the case will go away.
“He was here and brought me this diary and he asked me to apologize to the leadership of the army. Of course, he didn’t say to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, but it’s obvious that that’s what he meant,” Kiiza said. Ssemakadde, has refused to be dragged into the debate that he asked Kiiza to apologize.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ssemakadde said the Uganda Lawyer Society is working hard to see that Kiiza is released. “We strongly denounce the false allegations and misinformation circulating about Kiiza’s imprisonment. The Uganda Law Society has been working tirelessly to address the situation, and it is essential to rely on credible sources rather than speculation and rumours.
The ULS has instituted three fact-finding delegations to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kiiza’s incarceration. These delegations aim to assess the situation, explore potential remedies, and ensure that the rights of Eron Kiiza and all other advocates appearing before the military courts are protected,” Ssemakadde’s statement reads in part. It also condemns what it calls self-seekers and provocateurs who are exploiting the situation for their gain.
“Their reckless and irresponsible actions are causing harm to Kiiza, his family, the Uganda Prisons Service, the ULS, and the broader community.” On January 7, the Court Martial presided over by its chairman Brig. Freeman Mugabe found Kiiza, who together with others was representing Dr Kizza Besigye and his political associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to nine months imprisonment at Kitalya.
Kiiza had been blocked from accessing the bar by soldiers in the court. When he insisted that he was part of the legal team and that he should be allowed access, he was instead arrested and later sentenced. Speaking to URN, Kiiza said the arrest and sentence were not only illegal because he was in court to represent his client but also because he was never subjected to due process.
“I was sentenced without being heard. Although we are contenting the legality of the Court Martial from trying civilians, I believe sentencing me to nine months imprisonment, is a step too far,” Kiiza said. Asked about his options so far, Kiiza said, there are currently three options they are pursuing.
“We are going to appeal this decision in the Court Martial Appeal Court, we are filing a human rights enforcement application which is being worked on by Prof. Christopher Mbaziira, and also Dr Busingye Kabumba is leading a group that is filling a constitutional petition,” Kiiza said adding that all his options are through the legal system and not negotiating with anybody.
“I Eron Kiiza, can’t negotiate with anybody over my rights,” Kiiza said. On the condition in jail, Kiiza who said is currently recovering from his torture said he is being treated well by the prison warders. “I have a room which I share with three other inmates. Each of us has got a mattress of their own, I’m also allowed to access books if they are not political,” Kiiza said.
He also added that he is allowed to see the many visitors that come to see him. When URN visited Kitalya, there were at least more than 25 people who had come to see Kiiza. These ranged from politicians, lawyers, family members, activists, friends among others. However, although Kiiza is allowed visitors, there is a limit to the time they can interact with him.
For example, despite the URN reporter arriving at Kitalya at midday, he and about 20 other people he found waiting, were not able to see Kiiza until 4:45 pm. Even after allowing them to see Kiiza, they were altogether told they had only five minutes with him.
This was different from other visitors who would talk to inmates for over an hour. Kiiza who looked thinner than before his imprisonment, was putting on the infamous yellow short-sleeved shirt and shorts prison uniform said he was still very strong and that his situation has not moved him an inch from defending people’s rights. “I still maintain, the Court Martial has no jurisdiction to try civilians and we shall continue challenging it,” Kiiza said.

Eron Kiiza Refuses to Apologize for Release, Demands Military Accountability for Rights Violations