In a decision approved by the Zionist General Council, the World Zionist Congress has incorporated new federations to strengthen global Jewish communities, starting with the Uganda Zionist Federation.
The Uganda Scheme, a proposal to establish a Jewish homeland in British East Africa, was first proposed at the Congress’s sixth meeting in 1903. Today, 122 years later, Uganda will send its first-ever delegation to the 39th World Zionist Congress, scheduled for Jerusalem in October.
“This is an opportunity for us to be heard at the international level, especially in Israel,” said Avram Mukibi, founder and president of the Zionist Movement Uganda.
Mukibi, the representative of Kol Israel in Uganda, has campaigned since 2018 for acceptance as a new member. “This will help us to advocate for Israel, strengthen our voice, and give our youth more opportunities to engage with Israel and the Zionist movement,” he said.
Uganda’s Abayudaya Jewish community is comprised of about 2,000 members. Two generations ago, many chose to convert to Judaism. In August, Yosef Kibita became the first Abayudaya Jew granted Israeli citizenship after seven years of legal challenges and conversions.
“This is an exciting step forward. However, inclusion is just the start,” said David Yaari, chairman of Kol Israel, the General Zionist party. The only apolitical and non-denominational party in the movement, it represents Jewish communities through the World Confederation of United Zionists.
Both during and after the vote, Yaari emphasized Kol Israel’s long-standing position that the movement should support new Zionist federations with the resources and funding they need to succeed.
“These communities must be empowered to combat antisemitism, strengthen local education and deepen their connection with Israel,” he said. “Mutual responsibility is more than a slogan, and Kol Israel will hold the Zionist movement to this central value.”
The timing coincides with the likelihood that Judge Julia Sebutinde of Uganda will assume the presidency of the International Court of Justice this month. The first African woman to be appointed to the court, she has defended Israel against South Africa’s claims of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Zionist General Council’s 186 members also voted in favor of including the federations of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia and Kazakhstan.