History in the Making: Seven Agabas meet for first-ever Gathering in Kampala

History in the Making: Seven Agabas meet for first-ever  Gathering in Kampala

By Rhyman Agaba

After a year of meticulous planning and online community building, the Agaba Knights Club made history on Saturday, 7th February 2026.

Seven of the 33 namesakes from the global WhatsApp group finally met face-to-face in Kampala for the club's inaugural physical meeting.

The historic gathering at the Warehouse Lounge in Centenary Park was attended by club President Eng. Bruce Agaba, Vice President Dr. Peninah Agaba, and the club’s finance minister, Edgar Agaba.

They were joined by fellow members Alfred Brian Agaba and his wife Tracy Aphra Agaba, as well as Barbara Agaba and Rhyman Alphred Agaba—the very founder of the online community.

The journey to this moment began on 9th February 2025, at 4:55 pm, when Rhyman created the AGABA KNIGHTS CLUB WhatsApp group.

The first to join were Edgar, Andysen, Michael, Arthur, Dr. Peninah, and Eng. Dunok Bukama Agaba (UNHCR), who organized the group's first Zoom meeting a few weeks later.

As the digital family grew, so did their bond. Interactive games like word chain fostered connection and camaraderie among the namesakes, strengthening their unique tie.

The community soon expanded to include more members like Alfred Brian Agaba (ABA), Agaba Tumusiime, Richard Agaba, Philip Agaba, Agaba Christmas, Rugaba Agaba, Hon Agaba Abbas, Agaba Regarn, Jimmy Agaba, Denis Agaba, Daisy Agaba, Marlon Agaba, Agaba Hajarah, Dr Daphine, Primus Agaba, Agaba Richard, and Dr Agaba Gift.

Beatrice Amolu was also onboarded as the club's first strategic partner, having connected with two of the Agabas at the American Centre in Kampala during a month-long course sponsored by the American Embassy. This brought the total community to 33 members.

The name they share, Agaba, carries a rich, dual heritage. Primarily of East African origin (among Uganda's Banyankole, Batooro, Banyoro, and Bakiga people), it means "giver" or "generous." 

In West Africa (Nigeria's Igala, Idoma, and Igbo communities), it signifies strength, often translating to "lion," and is associated with royalty as in "Agaba-Idu."

Adopted by tribes in Rwanda and Tanzania, the name symbolizes resilience, community strength, and leadership—traits clearly embodied by the Agaba Knights Club members.

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Agaba Poem

Twenty Agabas, united we stand,
Sharing a surname, across this land,
Each with their story, unique and grand,
Connected by name, yet diverse in hand.

From different walks, they come to play,
Their paths may cross, in life's busy way,
Agaba this, Agaba that, a common thread,
Binding them together, in family spread.

With every Agaba, a tale unfolds,
Of triumphs, struggles, and dreams to hold,
Their surname strong, a bond so true,
A symbol of heritage, shining through.

In Uganda's heart, or far-off lands,
The Agaba name, a story expands,
Twenty individuals, one shared name,
An evidence to family ties that remain.

Let their stories weave, a tapestry so fine,
Of love, laughter, and life's rhyme,
The Agabas, a family so divine,
United in name, forever intertwined.