Arusha to Kampala — A Journey of Trust
The news swept across East Africa like the morning Harmattan wind. Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo, a name already etched in the annals of regional integration, had been appointed Secretary General of the African Academy for Languages and concurrently named Commissioner for Promoting Kiswahili in Africa.
For Dr. Tendo, the moment was not one of loud celebration but of quiet, profound humility.
Standing before a small gathering of colleagues, mentors, and friends, he placed his hand over his heart and spoke words that would soon travel far:
“Humbled by the trust expressed in me. I affirm my readiness to serve Mother Africa. So help me God.”he continued that he will serve east Africa at his best when elected EALA MP
“With great humility, I accept this appointment. Oh God, enable me to serve our continent of Africa. When He says He will bless you, no one can stop it. What Mukama deposits in the stomach does not rot. God does His work as He wishes.”
The room fell silent. In that moment, those present knew this was not ambition. This was a calling.
The African Academy for Languages is no ordinary institution. It guards the linguistic soul of a billion people over 2,000 languages spoken from Cape Town to Cairo. And Kiswahili, the fastest-growing African language, is its beating heart. As Commissioner for its promotion, Dr. Tendo now carries the dream of a united Africa speaking with one voice while celebrating a thousand tongues.
No sooner had the appointment been made public than the messages began to pour in. Among the first was a voice of immense stature: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.
With the warmth of a mentor and the precision of a stateswoman, Kadaga wrote:
“Dr. Tendo and Dr. Mutenyo. Congratulations and good luck. Keep the Crested Crane flying high.”
And then, directly to the new Secretary General: “Thank you, Dr. Tendo.”
Dr. Tendo, ever the gracious servant, replied immediately:
“Thank you so much, Rt. Hon. 1st DPM and our Minister.I also vividly recall your candid involvement in Arusha when I was recognized by Heads of State in 2024 together with Amb. Col.Frank Mwesigye and Amb. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli Your support as Chair EAC Council of Ministers towards my Bid will be greatly appreciated.”
Beside him stood Dr. Mutenyo—a fellow scholar, a comrade in the struggle for African linguistic identity. Together, they had weathered storms in Arusha, negotiated in Dar es Salaam, and dreamed in Kampala. Kadaga’s blessing to “keep the Crested Crane flying high” was not just a farewell. It was a charge.
