Uganda Embassy to Showcase Warship, Ankole Cowhorns, Bark Cloth at ‘Passport DC’ Event

WASHINGTON (05/04, 2022)— On Saturday, May 7, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda joins more than two dozen other nations participating in Passport DC, when it opens its doors during “Around the World Embassy Tour” beginning at 9 a.m.

Passport DC runs from May 1st through 31st and offers an outstanding array of cultural activities presented at embassy open houses, street festivals, performing arts venues, museums, and special receptions throughout the district.

“This event is more important now than ever as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and facing the current state of international affairs,” said Steve Shulman, Executive Director of Cultural Tourism DC.

“My hope is for Passport DC to help remind everyone that we are more alike than different, despite the multitude of cultures and beliefs.”

This year marks the 15th time that the Uganda Embassy has participated in Passport DC.

This year, guests can expect Culture, food, arts, crafts and a show of talent and ingenuity for an interactive cultural exchange like none other. Admission is free.

The Embassy shall have its exhibition at the University of DC Dennard Plaza, 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW.

“The Embassy plans to showcase a 34 footwork of art, a show-stopping model Warship built entirely from wire by Mr. Ronald Nnam, a Ugandan artist,” said Margaret Kafeero, Minister-Counsellor in charge of Public Diplomacy.

“In Uganda, children ingenuously make their own toys, model cars and bicycles from bits of wire, empty cans and rubber. Using this same skill, learned in childhood, Ronald has kept designing bigger and bigger pieces until over a 5-year period, this 34-foot masterpiece has come to life under his hands.”

The Embassy will also showcase the giant Ankole Cowhorns and their by-products as well as art pieces made using Uganda Barkcloth, an endangered natural textile whose unique 700-year old production involves a labor-intensive process was declared in 2005, by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “A masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage” and added to the World Heritage list in 2008.

“We shall showcase items like hair extensions made from processed banana stem as well as alternative uses of dried loofah plant.”

Other Passport DC Signature Events include Flower Mart at National Cathedral: Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, European Union Open House: Saturday, May 14 and Fiesta Asia Street Fair, Saturday, May 21.