Celebrating the Contribution of African Food to American Cuisine

The U.S. Embassy in Uganda will host a culinary diplomacy program titled “Celebrating the Contribution of African Food to American Cuisine,” to celebrate Black History Month 2025, and invites organizations to submit applications for its implementation. The program will engage 75-100 Ugandan chefs, culinary students, and food industry professionals through advanced culinary workshops led by visiting American culinary expert Tanya Holland. It will culminate in a fusion banquet that highlights the historical and cultural connections between African and American food traditions. Key activities will take place at prominent hospitality venues, including the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja and select locations in Kampala. The program aims to address both cultural and economic challenges within Uganda’s hospitality industry by fostering the development of local talent and creating career advancement opportunities for Ugandan chefs in an industry largely dominated by foreign professionals. By offering hands-on training with a focus on American cuisine, particularly Southern traditions rooted in African heritage, the program seeks to enhance culinary skills and inspire innovation in Uganda’s food sector. Applicants must demonstrate how they will integrate the expertise of the American culinary professional into Uganda’s culinary space while promoting economic growth and empowering Ugandan chefs to succeed locally and internationally.