Events
UPAVA holds several calendar events aimed at providing a forum and resources for members to build ideas and networks for the benefit of their social, economic and spiritual welfare and well-being.
Please view planned events here: Events Calendar
UG@64 Australasian Independence Gala, Business & Cultural Convention
Melbourne, Australia | 16–18 October 2026
Join Ugandans from across Australia and the Pacific for a landmark three-day celebration of enterprise, culture, and connection.
Event overview
The UG@64 Australasian Convention brings together business leaders, professionals, community organisations, creatives, and families for a powerful weekend of dialogue, celebration, and opportunity.
From enterprise and innovation to heritage and culture, this convention is a platform to connect, collaborate, and celebrate Uganda at 64.
Booking, Sponsorship, Partnerships & Other Information
Partner with UG@64 and gain visibility across business, community audiences nationwide.
Sponsorship packagesBook Your Place, secure your tickets
Booking link: 🕒 Coming soon
Accommodation
Recommended hotels: Quest,Veriu,Park Hyatt Melbourne lyf,
Full Programme
Detailed schedules and session information: 🕒 Coming soon
Programme highlights
Day 1 – Friday 16 October 2026
Business Expo
📍 Victoria University St Albans Campus – Building 9
Business & investment showcases – Uganda
SME and diaspora entrepreneurship
🕒 Free Parking Available on Site
Day 2 – Saturday 17 October 2026
UG@64 Gala Dinner
📍 Collingwood Town Hall
Formal gala dinner, awards & recognition
🕒 Parking at Collingwood Town Hall
Day 3 – Sunday 18 October 2026
Farewell BBQ
📍 Albert Park, Melbourne
Networking and community engagement activities
🕒 Car parking in Albert Park Reserve
Previous Independence Celebrations
The Independence Celebration is UPAVA’s main event and it is a celebration that brings together UPAVA members and their friends to celebrate the vibrancy of the Ugandan multicultural community through music, dance, fashion and dishes. What makes this event unique is the fact that most of the service providers are members of the association.
The event also provides a networking forum and is attended by members of the Eastern African Community (EAC) and beyond. It also holds an exhibition on the sidelines to market products from the EAC. This year’s celebration will be held on October 12, 2024
The UPAVA Cultural Day
The UPAVA Cultural Day is another annual event organised by the association with the main aim of introducing Ugandan culture to its members and friends.
This is an interactive event which sees young people introduced to Ugandan cultures through workshops for dances, and cooking among others. They are also allowed to showcase to their parents and guests what they have learnt.
The event is also a family interaction event where families showcase their traditional, cultural or African print attire.
The Monthly Sports Get-Together
Started by the UPAVA veterans, the monthly get-together is the climax of a weekly soccer training session but has quickly developed as a community health and sports event.
Community members bring a plate or contribute towards the refreshments when they get together after the training and workout. This is a community fully funded programme.
Other Events
UPAVA holds other events across the calendar year, depending on the needs of the community and the partnerships available. Most of these events are aligned with UPAVA’s mission.