Kampala, Uganda – The CEO of Africa Mashariki Fest, Dr. Ronex Tendo Kisembo, has paid a courtesy visit to former First Lady Mama Miria Obote at her Kololo residence in Kampala to celebrate her 90th birthday and brief her on upcoming regional integration initiatives.
Dr. Kisembo was accompanied by colleagues during the visit, which came just days after Mama Obote marked her 90th birthday on July 16 . The delegation expressed gratitude for her good health and long life, joining well-wishers in celebrating the milestone.
"Tunashukuru Mwenyezi Mungu mwingi wa rehema kwa kumjalia afya njema na maisha marefu," Dr. Kisembo stated, extending appreciation to former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for also visiting the former First Lady on her special day .
During the meeting, Dr. Kisembo updated Mama Obote on preparations for the third phase of the "Twende Zetu Kuhiji Butiama" pilgrimage safari, an initiative under Africa Mashariki Fest that honors the founding fathers of the East African Community .
This year's pilgrimage will see delegates visit the ancestral homes of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in Butiama, Tanzania; Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in Gatundu, Kenya; and Dr. Apollo Milton Obote in Akokoro, Uganda . The delegation also plans to visit Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Bondo, Kenya.
"The third phase aims to honor the founders of our East African Community," Dr. Kisembo explained, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the region's independence heroes. Butiama, located in Tanzania's Mara Region, is the birthplace of Tanzania's founding father Julius Nyerere, while Gatundu in Kiambu County, Kenya, was home to Kenya's first president Jomo Kenyatta .
Dr. Kisembo expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who serves as NRM Chairman, for his continued willingness to fund the annual pilgrimage over the past two years . He also expressed hope that Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and William Ruto of Kenya would support this year's initiative, noting that regional integration remains a collective endeavor.
Mama Miria Obote, a former UPC party president who ran for the presidency in 2006, has remained an influential figure in Uganda's political landscape since her husband's passing in 2005 . The visit underscores ongoing efforts to unite East African nations through cultural diplomacy and historical remembrance.
Dr. Kisembo concluded by assuring President Museveni that further updates would be provided upon his return to the country, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening regional ties through the Mashariki Fest platform.
