Ugandan community gathers at Waltham Common to celebrate annual Summer Splash  – Waltham Times

Music and laughter filled Waltham Common on Saturday as families gathered to celebrate Summer Splash, Radio Uganda Boston’s annual celebration of Ugandan culture and community.

Summer Splash was created 15 years ago to bring people together while celebrating all the companies and organizations that Radio Uganda Boston works with. 

The event welcomed members of the Ugandan community as well as visitors interested in learning about its culture and traditions.

Thirty-five vendors were present at the event, too, selling handmade jewelry, clothing and candles. There were also homemade African dishes that visitors could enjoy. In addition, children could play in a colorful bouncy castle.

African music played over the speakers throughout the event as attendees danced.

Several nonprofit organizations hosted informational tables at Summer Splash. One of them was Africano Waltham, a community-led organization supporting African immigrant families and youth. 

“We help. We do dance. We make music at different colleges like Bentley. We do a variety of things. We like to perform at different places,” said Jonathan Balagadde, a volunteer at Africano Waltham.

Student volunteers from the organization were present to interview people and learn about their cultures and experiences.

“Summer Splash means when people come together — a group of the Ugandan community that is coming together to share culture and also to pursue people’s dreams,” said Geoffrey Junior, a volunteer at Africano Waltham.

For others, Summer Splash was an opportunity to learn and engage with the community.

“I just want to learn different things, different cultures. I see a lot of things around here that I am willing to learn,” Jason Senyonjo, a volunteer at Africano Waltham, said.

“Summer Splash is a place where most of Ugandans can gather around, promote their own organizations and have a fun time doing so,” said Jeremiah Kikonyogo, another volunteer at Africano Waltham.

Women of Purpose International-Boston (WOPI-Boston) was also present at the celebration. The nonprofit is dedicated to empowering immigrant women and their families by connecting them to resources. WOPI-Boston sold menstrual products and clothing at the event, with all proceeds donated to women in need.

“Summer Splash means networking, bringing us together, and that is power,” Dorothy Ssebakka, founder and CEO at WOPI-Boston, said.

Kabaka Foundation Boston, a charitable foundation for the King of Buganda, also took part in Summer Splash. The organization supports people in Boston and Uganda with programs related to education, health and economic empowerment.

Summer Splash meant different things to different people. For some, the event emphasized the sense of community and belonging. For others, it was an opportunity to learn and engage with the community.

“I see a lot of things around here that I am willing to learn,” Jason Senyonjo, a volunteer at Africano Waltham, said.

Geoffrey Nsereko, vice CEO and public relations director at Radio Uganda Boston, described Summer Splash as one of the Ugandan community’s largest annual events and said that people from all backgrounds are welcome.

“Summer Splash is when everybody comes out,” Nsereko said.