DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA – Dr. Ronex Tendo Kisembo, CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest, has described his recent meeting with Mzee Joseph Butiku, Chairman of The Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, as an absolute privilege and a "drink from a fine cup of wisdom."
Dr. Kisembo spent most of yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in the company of Mzee Butiku, a man who served as Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere for 23 years.
In a heartfelt reflection, Dr. Kisembo invoked an African proverb, stating: "The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. Those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success."
He noted that Mzee Butiku is one of the very few remaining individuals who can speak with deep, personal authority about the life and legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere. "Who else can tell you about Mwalimu Nyerere apart from Mama Maria Nyerere (First Lady Emeritus), Mzee Butiku and Mzee Kaguta Museveni?" he posed.
The meeting comes ahead of a major regional event. Mzee Butiku will be a key speaker at the 3rd Edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, scheduled to take place in October. The pilgrimage, organised by Afrika Mashariki Fest, brings together participants from Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
This year's theme is "Espousing the Enduring Legacy and Values of Our Founding Fathers: a Call for Enhanced Efforts Towards a Politically Federated EAC."
In his statement, Dr. Kisembo emphasised the importance of honouring the region's founders, using the Swahili phrase: "Karibuni #TwenzetuButiama2026 kuwaenzi wazee wetu waasisi wa jumuiya yetu" — welcoming all to the pilgrimage to honour the elder founders of the East African Community.
Prospective pilgrims were reminded that registration for the safari closes today, 25th September 2026.
The pilgrimage to Butiama, the ancestral home of Mwalimu Nyerere, is seen as a symbolic journey to the roots of East African unity and a call to action for the current generation to carry forward the pan-Africanist vision of the founding fathers.
The pilgrimage will officially commence with a flag-off ceremony at Nkrumah Hall, University of Dar es Salaam . Pilgrims will then proceed to the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, onward to Kenyatta University in Nairobi, and Makerere University in Kampala .
Key dates on the pilgrimage calendar include:
· October 7-8: Pilgrims gather at Dr. Obote's ancestral home in Akokoro
· October 9: Uganda's Independence Anniversary celebrations at Kololo
· October 10: Departure for Butiama with a stopover at Serengeti National Park
· October 14: Nyerere Day—solemn tribute to Mwalimu Julius Nyerere at Butiama
· October 15-16: Honoring Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County—a poignant moment as it marks the anniversary of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga's passing (October 15, 2025)
· October 17: Visit to Kenya's National Assembly to pay homage to Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, followed by a visit to his Gatundu home
· October 20: The journey culminates with Mashujaa Day (Heroes' Day) celebrations in Eldoret
Excitement is building in Akokoro! With all the invitation letters delivered and the religious leaders confirmed to preside over the mass, the program is clearly well-organized.
