The 2011 ThemE
Welcome to the 2011 Annual General Meeting of the North America Masaba Cultural Association. The theme
for the 2011 AGM is: Bamasaba in the 21st Century: ‘Finding the convergence of Technology and Culture
for Development’. We are living in the fastest, most innovative and most advanced period of technological
development in human history. This era also presents a more equal level playing field in all aspects of life that
were previously the realm of a the few advantaged. How is this going help, change or impede us as a people.
How do we take advantage of these technologies and still be able to preserve our culture and all that makes
us unique. This conference is about exploring opportunities that technology presents to enhance culture and
at the same time stimulate social and economic development. We will focus the discussions around key areas
which are relevant to BaMasaaba, and to the contribution of the Diaspora can provide.
Healthcare and Technology
There is link between improved health in the population and a economic advancement. Yet lack of doctors,
meager resources, and insufficient funding hinder the majority of hospitals and clinics from providing even
basic care. In addition to this, infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS threaten to overburden an already poor health
care system. We will explore program models and easily implementable technologies that deliver quality
healthcare especially in rural settings.
Education and Technology
Our education system in Uganda and indeed in much of Africa has been found to be outdated and in many
instances irrelevant to our societal needs. We hope to address opportunities, impediments of technological
solutions. We will highlight education technology approaches to harness the rich talent using formal and
informal programs that provide key technical skills, knowledge and experiences. We will share insights around
how already implemented programs that enabling graduates compete on global level.
Culture and Technology
Innovation in mobile and web technologies has changed the way people interact with each other. The speed
of sharing information has increased, the disadvantages of geographical separation have reduced and the cost
of communication in general has significantly been cut. Online driven collaboration has led to the formation of
virtual societies that cut across geographical boundaries. These technologies present an opportunity for us to
whither the disadvantages of geographical separation. Not only do they provide an opportunity to exchange
information but also opportunities to share, enjoy and preserve our cultures. Recently we saw the formation
of Inzu ya Masaba, the cultural institution that unites all Bamasaaba in Uganda, Kenya and the Diaspora. We
also witnessed thereafter the election of the Umkuuka signaling the increased need to unify and collaborate
for the common good. Technology provides numerous opportunities to share ideas, increase collaboration and
further strengthen the bonds between us.