Celebrating our community collaborations and partnerships is the focus of our bi-annual event, Okuyamba Fest. “Okuyamba” is the Lugandan word meaning “to help.” The event began in 2012 to help raise funds for PCAU’s work. It was a yearly celebration until 2018 when it became a bi-yearly event to coincide with PCAU’s exchange visit to the U.S.

In 2020 the event faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic which delayed the exchange visits until 2022. Similarly in 2024, when PCAU staff were unable to travel to US, a substitute event titled “Storytelling with Roberta” was held. This unique gathering provided Roberta the opportunity to share stories and reflections from over 15 years of nurturing the CHC/PCAU partnership.

Despite these adjustments, Okuyamba Fest remains a bi-yearly event and continues to evolve as a true fundraising initiative in response to growing financial pressures facing PCAU. As donor priorities shift and external funding declines, PCAU has become increasingly reliant on CHC support to sustain core operations. Proceeds from Okuyamba Fest are therefore critical to helping stabilize PCAU’s work, including supporting general operating needs, building a temporary financial cushion to manage funding fluctuations, and sustaining signature programs such as the Road to Hope program and the PCAU building fund.

The event features international foods and beverages, as well as a silent auction of Ugandan and African arts and craft items. Past events have included live entertainment such as the Uzima dance group, the local premiere of The Road to Hope documentary, and keynote speaker Brandi Milloy of PopSugar. Together, these elements create a meaningful opportunity to celebrate partnership, tell impact stories, and mobilize resources to ensure the continuity of compassionate palliative care services in Uganda.