Welcome to NAMCA Annual Convention 2024
The coming convention is going to be held in Chicago, from May 24th to 27th 2024

The goal of the 2024 Annual Convention is to bring BaMasaaba, their friends, family and contacts together to celebrate culture, network , create meaningful dialogue and empower attendees towards action for development at home and welfare in host countries of residence.

The Venue

The Hotel: Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove

 Unpack and stretch out in expansive pet-friendly accommodations with 2-plasma TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi access and ultra-comfortable beds. Savor delectable cuisine at our hotel restaurant and creative cocktails in our stylish lounge. Explore the area’s most celebrated attractions around Elk Grove Village including Allstate Arena, LEGOLAND and Ned Brown Busse Woods Forest Preserve. Reach your highest goals in versatile meeting spaces, enhanced by expert planners, free parking, and shuttle service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport is available based on an advance reservations for a nominal fee. After an unforgettable day of business, shopping or sightseeing, take a refreshing dip in our sparkling indoor pool and exhilarate your body in our fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. Designed for today’s discerning traveler, the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove is sure to impress!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Dates of the Convention? 

May 24th- May 27th, 2024

 Where is the Location for the Convention? 

Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove

121 NW Point Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

How do I get an invitation to the convention? 

You can get a ‘self-invitation’ by paying registration fees or having a relative or friend in the diaspora invite you.  

•       The person inviting him/herself must first pay the Registration fee of $150 (Early Bird fee if paid before October 30th, 2023) or $170 (if paid after October 30th, 2022). Send your receipt to the secretary at secretary@namca.us who will forward your invitation.  

•       See membership and registration details in the table below. 

•       If a relative or friend in the diaspora is inviting you, they must be a NAMCA Member with paid up membership and registration fees and also pay registration dues for each person to be invited. 

How many attendees can NAMCA members invite? 

There is no limit as to how many a NAMCA members can invite. Members must have paid up their membership and registration fees prior to inviting someone to the convention.  

I am a NAMCA paid up member in Uganda. How do I get my invitation letter? Paid up NAMCA members in Uganda still have to pay registration fees to get an invitation letter.  

Once you have made your payment, send your receipts to the NAMCA Secretary at secretary@namca.us and he will forward your invitation letter. If you want the letter mailed, please provide your mailing address. 

I have attended previous NAMCA AGMs. Do I still need an invitation letter? 

Yes. Even if you have attended previous NAMCA AGMs, you will still need a NAMCA invitation letter to present at the US Embassy for the visa application. Fully paid registration fees are still required before you get your invitation letter. 

What do I do with the invitation letter? 

Use your letter to apply for a US Visa at the American Embassy. 

How do I pay for Membership, Processing and Registration, and Boat Cruise fees? 

If you have access to the internet and a credit card or bank card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), you can make all payments online through our website at www.namca.us.   You can also click the direct links below to make the corresponding payments.

•       Membership Dues 

•       Registration and Processing, and Boat Cruise Fees 

Once you have made payment, submit your receipt to the NAMCA Treasurer at email: treasurer@namca.us.  

I do not have the internet or a VISA bank card. How do I make payments?  

You can make all payments at PostBank Uganda to the account below: 

Account name: North America Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA)

If depositing in USD: 111 003 700 1278 

Can I wire payments through my bank, MoneyGram or Western Union? 

Yes. If you need to wire money using your bank, MoneyGram or Western Union, please  contact the NAMCA Treasurer at treasurer@namca.us for additional details. 

Is Registration fee refundable? 

Registration is NOT refundable. Once paid, registration fees are immediately put  towards administrative costs and preparation activities for the convention such as securing space and any material for attendees.  

What important contacts do I need? 

Ensure that the secretary and treasurer have your email, address and phone number

• For communication with the secretary please use email: secretary@namca.us

Phone/WhatsApp: +1 (405) 404-4485

 

• For communication with the Treasurer, please email: treasurer@namca.us and 

Phone/WhatsApp: +1 (206) 227-0568

 

Can I cancel my hotel booking without charge? 

You have up to 48 hours before the check-in date to cancel your booking with no penalty. Please bear in mind the time difference between the two countries when cancelling your reservation. 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION 

Annual Membership:

$50 – Membership covers one person per calendar year and must be renewed annually 

Convention Registration

•       Early Bird $150 October 30st 2023:  PAY HERE

•       Late registration $170 January 30, 2023 to convention date: PAY HERE

•       Family registration: (More than 4 People) $150. Please contact the treasurer for
details: PAY HERE

•       Accommodation: $135 per night. Free airport Pickup: BOOK HERE

 

Does NAMCA have a representative in Uganda and Canada that I can contact? 

Yes, NAMCA has an authorized representatives who can help you navigate the registration processes involved at a fee of up to $50 USD.

 

The contact details are: 

 

UGANDA

Name: Mr. Humphrey Kulyate 
Phone: +256701077272 / +256776825015  
Email: Humphrey@Namca.Us

CANADA

Name: Catherine Bukeni Wayelo
Phone: +1 (647) 509-2733
Email: Vp@Namca.Us

USA

Name: Rachael Namutosi
Phone: +1 (206) 227-0568
Email: Treasurer@Namca.Us

 

Membership and Registration 

Annual Membership: $50 – Membership covers one person per calendar year and must be renewed annually 

 Registration

•       Early Bird $150 October 30st 2023: PAY HERE

•       Late registration $170 January 30, 2024 to convention date: PAY HERE

•       Family registration: (More than 4 People) $150. Please contact the treasurer for
details: PAY HERE

•       Accommodation: $135 per night. Free airport pickup:  BOOK HERE

 Do you have alternative accommodations such as other hotels, Airbnb or free places to stay? 

We encourage all attendees to stay at the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, which is the venue for the convention. The convention committee is looking into alternative accommodations and will communicate details. Please check the website for updated information including: 

•       Alternative hotels: The convention committee will share a list with prices. 

•       Airbnb: The convention committee will look up homes if you indicate this as an option.  They will share the information and you can make reservations online. Please ensure you know the rules and process of cancelling your reservation should you not make it to the convention.   

•       Host home: The convention committee is looking into finding host homes for some people to stay. Please be prepared to pay host agreed upon costs.

 

What is the daily cost of upkeep for meals? 

The convention will provide you with Lunch and Dinner for Saturday and Lunch for Sunday. We will be having a boat cruise on Sunday where dinner will be provided.  

 

Registration for the boat cruise is a separate fee of $100. Click here to make payment for the Boat Cruise. 

 

Other important information you should know? 

• The deadline for invitation letters will be communicated. 

• Constantly check NAMCA website for updated information on the convention. 

• Please bear in mind the US Embassy visa application scheduling to avoid delays or any inconveniences. 

• Be sure to allow plenty of time to apply for your Visa at the American Embassy.  It may take more than 30 days to set an appointment for your visa application. 

• Be sure to cancel your accommodations early if Visa is denied. 

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