Speke Resort Munyonyo was the centre of attention on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as hundreds of dignitaries, Pan-Africanists, entrepreneurs, business leaders and invited guests converged for the ninth edition of the Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards and the organisation’s 12th Anniversary Dinner.
The prestigious gathering provided a platform to recognise individuals and institutions whose work continues to influence Africa’s social and economic transformation, humanitarian efforts, leadership, entrepreneurship, freedom struggles and the promotion of Pan-African values.
The evening combined celebration with reflection, featuring cultural performances, musical entertainment, keynote addresses and thought-provoking discussions on Africa’s development, sovereignty and the continent’s place in the global order. The highly anticipated awards ceremony was the centrepiece of the evening, with outstanding personalities from Uganda, Africa and the diaspora receiving recognition for their contributions.
Businessman and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Ruparelia attended the occasion as Guest of Honour, adding prominence to an event that attracted influential voices from different parts of the world.
The international guest list included Zimbabwean Pan-African scholar and preacher Bishop Joshua Maponga, South African anti-apartheid activist Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala, Ghanaian entrepreneur Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang, Jamaican Pan-Africanist Blossom Thomas and prominent US activist Ayo Kimathi.
Discussions during the event focused on some of the continent’s most pressing questions, including Africa’s development and sovereignty, the plight of refugees, what speakers described as “new colonialism,” and the role of decoloniality in shaping Africa’s future.
Bishop Joshua Maponga delivered the keynote address ahead of the awards presentation, setting the tone for an evening centred on African identity, empowerment and self-determination.
The awards recognised a diverse group of changemakers. Rajiv Ruparelia and Hon. Helen Nakimuli Walusimbi were presented with Humanitarian Awards, while Dr Hon. Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala received recognition as a Freedom Fighter for her contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle.
Dr Frank Mugyenyi was honoured for his leadership in advancing African mineral sovereignty and governance. Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang was recognised for his contribution to youth social and development entrepreneurship, while Blossom Thomas received an award for African Renaissance leadership in the diaspora.
Ugandan industrialist Victoria Sugar was among the corporate and business leaders recognised, receiving the African Development Entrepreneur Award for her contribution to Africa’s industrial and economic advancement.
Telecommunications giant MTN Uganda was presented with the Lifetime Achiever Award, while Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka received the African Renaissance Award.
Following the awards, guests enjoyed a celebratory dinner accompanied by cake cutting and live musical performances. The evening continued in a relaxed atmosphere as attendees sampled a wide selection of food and beverages prepared and served by Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The ninth PAP Global Awards and 12th Anniversary Dinner not only celebrated individual achievement but also provided a platform for renewed conversations about Africa’s development, independence, identity and collective future.
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