President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni defines the true dignity of Africa and such a president should be supported and celebrated for the fearless and consistent message of having a self-sustaining economy with its own industries for value addition.
The king of Asante in Ghana His Royal Highness Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the appeal during the launch of this year’s Imbalu Festival held at Mutoto Cultural Heritage Grounds in Mbale City on Saturday 3rd August, 2024.
“…I travelled from Ghana to Uganda without a visa and this is the borderless, united Africa with dignity envisioned by President Museveni in all platforms urging African countries to embrace value addition…”, he said amidst a deafening applause.
The visiting king also heaped praises on President Museveni for ushering and sustaining peace and freedom for citizens to enjoy their freedom of association including the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.
With apparent reference to the current trend of demonstrations in some countries like Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II warned the youth against causing anarchy through reckless street protests.
“…why jump to the streets to burn schools, health facilities, loot shops, buildings, and damage traffic lights and road furniture which has cost billions of dollars ,is that the best way of enjoying constitutional rights…?,he said in rhetoric.
Quoting from Ephesians 6:1-4 which says “…children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother-which is the first commandment with a promise- that it may go well with you…”King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also urged the youth in Uganda and the rest of Africa to respect their elders.
Using Winston Churchill, who in 1908 wrote in his popularized book, “My African Journey” and referred to Uganda as the Pearl of Africa, the Ghanaian king said he was amazed at the magnificent beautiful scenery, nice climate that allows the blossoming of all sorts of crops, mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and insects.
“…do not use the media to insult your leaders, avoid using the media to incite others in illegal and destructive activities in your respective countries because Africa is our home and belongs to us…” he appealed.
The host king (Omukuka III of Inzi Ya Masaaba) HRH Jude Mike Mudoma in his welcome remarks said he was humbled and over joyous with the enthusiasm exhibited by the guests and subjects on cultural matters.
In appreciation, Jude Mike Modoma gifted each of his visiting kings with a certificate and a kilogramme of well processed fine Arabica coffee grown in the kingdom.
Other visiting cultural leaders included King Fiti Torgbui Adzonuaga Amenya V the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Dr Suanu Timothy Yormadam Baridam of Nigeria’s Ogu Traditional Area and the King of Wanga kingdom in western Kenya Peter Mumia II.
Lango Paramount Chief-elect Eng Dr Michael Moses Odongo-Okune together with 40 clan leaders and elders also graced the colorful ceremony that attracted people of all walks of life from the Masaba land.
The Minister of State for the Elders in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon Dominic Mafabi Gidudu, the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Hon Florence Namboozo Wamala and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs(Regional Cooperation) Hon John Mulimbwa who represented President Yoweri Museveni.
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