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BKI 2026 DMV Convention
4th Annual BKI Convention

4th Annual Convention

BKI 2026 DMV Convention

Honoring Our Roots, Expanding Our Horizons in the Diaspora

July 31, 2026 - August 2, 2026 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City Reconnect. Reimagine. Rise.
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Visit the Official Convention Website Register for BKI 2026 Book Convention Hotel Meet the Organising Team

Event Overview

Honoring Our Roots, Expanding Our Horizons

The fourth annual Banyankore Kweterana Convention will bring the global Banyankore community together in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area from July 31 to August 2, 2026.

Hosted by the Banyankore Kweterana International DMV Chapter, the convention will create a welcoming platform for cultural celebration, business and professional networking, leadership dialogue, family connection and community development.

Under the theme “Honoring Our Roots, Expanding Our Horizons in the Diaspora,” participants will reflect on the strength of Ankole heritage while exploring new opportunities for collaboration, enterprise, leadership and global community engagement.

The convention’s message—“Reconnect. Reimagine. Rise.”—invites participants to reconnect with their culture and community, reimagine the possibilities of collective action and rise together through shared purpose.

Convention Experience

A Weekend of Culture, Connection and Opportunity

Culture

Engaging cultural discussions and educational programmes focused on heritage, identity and the development of diaspora and immigrant communities.

Commerce

Professional networking, entrepreneurship, investment conversations and opportunities to strengthen business relationships across the diaspora.

Community

A welcoming environment for families, friends, chapters and partners to reconnect, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships.

Leadership and Legacy

Forums and conversations focused on leadership, service, cultural continuity and the responsibility of present generations to those who come after them.

Entertainment

Live entertainment and performances celebrating Ugandan and Ankole culture. Artist and performer announcements should remain editable as they are confirmed.

Authentic Ankole Cuisine

Guests will experience traditional foods and flavours associated with Ankole, including dishes and refreshments such as Akaro, Eshabwe and Obushera.

Networking

Professional and social networking opportunities, including a rooftop networking experience with views of the Washington, D.C. skyline.

Key Event Details

Dates
July 31, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Venue
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City
Location
Arlington, Virginia
Host
Banyankore Kweterana International DMV Chapter

Culture, Commerce and Community

Join Banyankore from around the world in the Washington, D.C. area for the fourth annual Banyankore Kweterana Convention—a powerful weekend celebrating culture,

Leadership, Legacy and Networking

Hosted by the BKI DMV Chapter, the convention will bring together families, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, young people and community partners for cultural dialogue, business networking, entertainment, authentic Ankole cuisine and meaningful conversations about the future of the diaspora.

Programme Preview

Convention Programme

The full schedule will be published when official session records are confirmed. For now, visitors can expect the following high-level experiences.

Cultural discussions

Community forums

Leadership conversations

Business and professional networking

Youth and family engagement

Entertainment

Authentic Ankole cuisine

Rooftop networking experience

Community celebration

Convention Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City

Located minutes from Washington, D.C., the Pentagon and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City offers convenient access, comfortable accommodation and views of the nation’s capital.

The venue will serve as the central home for convention programmes, networking, cultural activities, hospitality and evening events throughout the weekend.

300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22202
United States
View Map Visit Venue Website
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City

Hotel Accommodation

Stay at the Convention Hotel

  • Convention hotel rates start at approximately $139 per night.

  • A discounted breakfast option is available for approximately $20 per person per day.

  • The hotel provides convenient access to Washington, D.C., the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport.

  • The official reservation block covers July 30 through August 3, 2026.

Hotel rates, availability and terms are managed by the hotel and may change. Visitors should confirm the current details on the official booking page.

Reservation Block

July 30, 2026 - August 3, 2026

Hotel rates, availability and terms are managed by the hotel and may change. Visitors should confirm the current details on the official booking page.

Book the Convention Hotel

Travel Information

Getting to the Convention

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Airport code: DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to the convention hotel and is approximately one mile away.

Washington Dulles International Airport

Airport code: IAD

Washington Dulles International Airport is approximately a 35-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.

Ground transport

Visitors can plan around rideshare services, taxis, Metro access and any group airport pickup information only when the organisers officially confirm it.

International Attendees

Attending from Outside the United States

International visitors may require a valid United States visa to attend. Attendees who require an invitation letter should indicate this during the registration process and follow the instructions provided by the convention organisers.

View Visa Information

Organising Team Preview

Meet the Organising Team

Meet the Organising Team

Brian Mushana Kwesiga

Co-Chair

Entrepreneur, engineer and civic leader serving as Co-Chair of the 2026 BKI Convention in the Washington, D.C. area.

Brenda Nangasha Demers

Co-Chair and Secretary

Human resources and tourism professional supporting convention coordination, administration and organisational leadership.

Kosea A. Hindi

Marketing, PR and Entertainment Leadership

Marketing, public relations and entertainment lead with experience across diaspora event production and branding.

Patience Julianne Kanyamunyu Kaijuka

Hotel Liaison

Hospitality and hotel-management professional coordinating venue and accommodation planning for the convention.

Sam Nyindombi Karahukayo

Organising Committee

Technology leader supporting planning and execution as part of the convention organising committee.

Carol K. Rutega

Organising Committee

Hospitality and events professional contributing operational support and community-centred planning.

Sandra Najuna

Programs and Forums Chair

Public-health leader guiding programme and forums planning for the 4th Annual BKI Convention.

Gloria Atwine Katuuku

BKI 2026 Ambassador to Uganda

Strategic partnerships and diaspora bridge-builder representing the convention’s interests in Uganda.

Gloria Nalule McLaughlin

Organising Committee

International development and diaspora-engagement specialist contributing to the organising committee.

Kwame Ruyondo

BKI 2026 Liaison

Businessman and farmer supporting liaison work between Washington, D.C. and Uganda.

Registration

Register for BKI 2026

Register for BKI 2026

Visitors should use the official convention registration page for current pricing, final payment and participation forms. Registration prices may change, so attendees should confirm the latest amount before paying.

BKI does not process convention payments on this website. Official payment and final pricing remain on the external registration platform.

Adult Convention Registration

$200

Online card payments may include a processing charge. Attendees must complete the required participation form before payment.

Registration prices may change. Confirm final pricing on the official registration page.

Last verified: 2026-06-21

Vendor Registration

$350

Includes convention registration for one participant.

The vendor participation form must be completed before payment.

Registration prices may change. Confirm final pricing on the official registration page.

Last verified: 2026-06-21

Teen Registration

Ages 13–18

$150
Registration prices may change. Confirm final pricing on the official registration page.

Last verified: 2026-06-21

Children Registration

Ages 1–12

$80
Registration prices may change. Confirm final pricing on the official registration page.

Last verified: 2026-06-21

Register for BKI 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the official convention dates?

The convention takes place from July 31 to August 2, 2026.

Where is the convention being held?

At the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC - Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

Which airport is closest?

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport and is approximately one mile from the hotel.

Can international visitors request an invitation letter?

International attendees who require an invitation letter should indicate this during registration and contact the convention organisers.

Where can I register?

Visitors should register through the official BKI 2026 convention website.

Can I book accommodation at the convention hotel?

Yes. Guests can use the official hotel-booking link, subject to availability and the hotel’s terms.

Official Convention Website

Stay Updated Through the Official BKI 2026 Website

For final registration, hotel availability, organiser updates and the latest convention announcements, use the official BKI 2026 convention website.

Visit the Official Convention Website

Be Part of BKI 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Be Part of BKI 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Join Banyankore from across the world for a memorable weekend of culture, enterprise, leadership, networking and community.

Visit the Official Convention Website Register for BKI 2026 Book Convention Hotel Meet the Organising Team

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