UCAS (the Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan Inc.) was founded and incorporated in 1990. Its leadership over the years has comprised people with diverse ethnic backgrounds — predominantly people of diverse African ethnic groups who had lived in more than one country, and also a leader with British and Indian ethnicity and ancestry who lived in Uganda for many years.
Over the years UCAS has undertaken innovative and collaborative projects — leading to its transition to UCAS & African Descent Professional Associates. Among many, we highlight the milestones below.
1990
The Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan Inc. is founded and incorporated by a committee of Ugandan-Canadians.
1991
Held in Fort-Qu’Appelle, near Regina. Over the following five years, Uganda-Canadian communities held similar conferences in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
2000
UCAS hosts the 1st Uganda-Canadian National Conference — Ensuring our Integration in Canadian Society: 2000 and Beyond. Mentored by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the preparation established the organization’s vision statement, strategic planning, and skills training that built personal and organizational capacity.
2005–2007
UCAS hosts and plays a key role in managing this 3-year Uganda Canadian National Association project — funded by Canadian Heritage (Department of Multiculturalism) with participants from 7 provinces.
2012
For its 20th anniversary, UCAS organizes a Provincial Community Planning Forward Workshop covering immigration, equitable settlement and integration, and cooperatives. UCAS attains provincial cultural organization status with SaskCulture; the following year, a partnership with Michelle Sereda launches the Karibu performing arts program — which has performed in public spaces across the province.
2013–2014
In collaboration with MCoS, the University of Regina Community Research Unit, SaskCulture, CAFS and community development consultant Flo Frank, UCAS sponsors and leads the process that establishes the African Canadian Resource Network in Saskatchewan (ACRN).
2020
As part of its 30th anniversary, UCAS establishes a partnership with Wesley United Church — whose culture and goal for social justice brought insightful, compassionate leaders who share and have embraced UCAS’s vision.
2023
An updated constitution is adopted; the organization becomes UCAS & African Descent Professional Associates Inc. — adding research, program development and service delivery towards healing, equitable integration, and human, social and economic development.
The story continues with members, volunteers, and partners like you.