A Fresh Voice for Uganda at the World Zionist Congress.
On August 28th, the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda will vote for the first time in history to nominate a delegate to represent the Ugandan Jewry at the World Zionist Congress in Israel. One of the candidates is Engr. Avram Mukibi Franco, who is running under the Kol Israel Party.
Avram is no stranger to this journey. Since 2018, he has worked tirelessly to secure Uganda’s official inclusion in the World Zionist Congress. Thanks to his unwavering commitment, after nearly a decade of hard work and leadership, he finally got what he and his team wanted in January 2025, when the Zionist General Council officially welcomed Uganda into its fold. This milestone was celebrated in June with the launch of the Zionist Movement of Uganda (ZIMU) in Mukono, a historic inclusion aimed at uniting Jewish communities under a shared voice. In his address at the launch, Franco reminded the world: “The Zionist Congress is richer and stronger when it includes the full diversity of our global nations.”
As he moves ahead to represent Uganda at the Zionist Congress for the next five years, Engr. Mukibi’s manifesto embodies the same vision and commitment that has propelled the community to this point. His priorities include:
1. Making sure that the Abayudaya voice is heard in the halls of Zionism.
2. Exploring initiatives that aim to bring Uganda closer to Israel by contributing to the economy of Eretz Israel and helping young people and spiritual leaders study in Israeli yeshivot, after which they can return to strengthen their community.
3. Starting programs that bring Jewish teens together to learn, study, and grow as a group.
4. Make an effort to get the Ugandan government to officially recognize Judaism so that important Jewish holidays are completely recognized, and Jewish marriages are acknowledged.
5. Helping new Jewish members celebrate religious milestones like brit milah and talking about marriage and family life in the Jewish community.
6. Advocate for the rights of women and the girl-child in the society by making sure that enough attention is paid to the growth and development of key Jewish women’s organizations.
7. Using technology to help the Jewish economy by expanding agriculture in ways that make sure there is enough food for everyone and eradicate poverty as much as they can.
8. Working together with all the Jewish groups in the country, both local and foreign, for the good of all Jews.
9. Making the connections between Ugandan Jews and other Jews in East Africa and all around the continent stronger.
10. Establishing a Jewish pilgrimage board to assist the Jews of Uganda in fulfilling their earnest desire to visit the land of Israel during the high holidays, thereby meeting their lifelong Jewish obligations.
Guided by his own words— “I’ve been there, I’m there, and I’ll be there for the community” — Engr. Franco represents younger and transparent leadership, carrying both dedication and integrity.
Avram Mukibi represents a fresh and energetic approach to leadership at a time when the Ugandan Federation and its numerous Jewish communities nationwide are seeking to assume the 2nd membership position of the World Zionist Congress in Africa, following South Africa. His candidacy signals not just participation but a dedication to guaranteeing that Ugandan Jewry is effectively represented in discussions shaping the future of the Jewish people across the globe.
As this important and historic election gets underway, Ugandan Jews have the chance to choose a leader who has already made history for the Abayudaya community by laboring for its acceptance in the Zionist Congress in Israel and who is ready to take their voice onto the world stage. If you vote for Engr. Avram Mukibi Franco, you are voting for vision, youth, transparency, accountability, and a stronger Jewish presence in the family of nations, not just for today but for the next five years.
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