KAMPALA, UGANDA – A comprehensive joint security team has pledged full support for the third edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama pilgrimage, a youth-focused initiative aimed at reviving the spirit of East African integration by honoring the region's founding fathers.
The assurance was given during a high-level security meeting held at the Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala on September 14, 2026, chaired by Deputy Commandant Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), ACP Twishime Gerald.
Addressing the media after the meeting, SSP Julius Gobolo, Head of Operations for KMP, confirmed that all necessary security apparatuses are in place for the October pilgrimage.
"We are here as a security agency to receive the pilgrimage and we are ready to receive them in October," SSP Gobolo stated. "As you can see, we have the Police, UPDF, FFP, and Traffic. I want to assure you that we are ready to protect the pilgrims."
The meeting was convened by Dr. Ronex Tendo Kisembo, CEO of the Afrika Mashariki Fest, who led a delegation that included members of the Kampala Riders. The riders accompanied Dr. Kisembo to CPS in a powerful show of solidarity and unity for the program.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kisembo expressed his gratitude for the support from both the security forces and the riding community. "I want to thank God for today. We are here at CPS Kampala for a security meeting ahead of our third edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama pilgrimage set for October," he said.
He explained that while the first two editions were held in Butiama, Tanzania, this third edition will expand its scope to visit the homes of the founding fathers of East Africa. "The pilgrimage focuses on Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, but we realized that he did not work alone. He worked with the late Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to form the East Africa Federation," Dr. Kisembo noted.
He thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support and belief in the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of the youth. "The young people have to be the vanguard for the East Africa Federation agenda. Mzee president Museveni have done his part, but young people have been lagging behind. I call upon young people from across East African regions and beyond to come for the pilgrimage because we have pilgrims from all over the world."
The President of Signature Riders Kampala also affirmed their commitment, stating, "We are ready to welcome the pilgrimage and travel with them."
The 3rd Edition, set for October 2026, carries the theme: "Espousing the Enduring Legacy and Values of Our Founding Fathers: a Call for Enhanced Efforts Towards a Politically Federated EAC."
The pilgrimage brings together students, youth leaders, and dignitaries from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, united in a shared vision of a politically integrated East Africa. The spiritual journey will be officiated over by religious leaders, who will deliver a Holy Mass at Dr. Obote's ancestral home in Akokoro on October 7, 2026, invoking God's blessings upon the pilgrims and the noble cause of East African integration.
· October 7-8, 2026: Pilgrims gather at Dr. Obote's ancestral home, Akokoro, for a Holy Mass and homage.
· October 9, 2026: Uganda's Independence Anniversary celebrations at Kololo.
· October 10, 2026: Departure for Butiama with a stopover at Serengeti National Park.
· October 14, 2026: Nyerere Day – a solemn tribute to Mwalimu Julius Nyerere at Butiama.
· October 15-16, 2026: Honoring Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
· October 17, 2026: Visit to Kenya's National Assembly and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's Gatundu home.
· October 20, 2026: Mashujaa Day (Heroes' Day) celebrations in Eldoret.
The pilgrimage will officially commence on October,01,2026 with a flag-off ceremony at Nkrumah Hall, University of Dar es Salaam, with pilgrims proceeding to the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, Kenyatta University in Nairobi, and Makerere University in Kampala.
The joint security team assured Dr. Kisembo of maximum support throughout the historic journey, ensuring the safety and success of all participants.
