By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The eight member states under their umbrella body, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have developed an anthem with a symbol of identity for each member state after 40 years of the establishment of the Intergovernmental authority.
The Assistant Commissioner for culture at the Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development, Mr. Bakaye Lubega, revealed that the anthem is still in the first stage but once approved, it will be popularized by the member states in their respective communities.
While addressing the press in Kampala on November 21, 2025, Mr. Bakaye Lubega said Uganda being a member state contributed in developing the anthem revealing that the anthem identifies people’s culture.
The Head of Mission at IGAD Offices in Uganda, Ms. Joselyn Bigirwa, is very optimistic that once the anthem is approved, it will go a long way to promote peace and unity among member states including Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan among other member states.
Mr. Herbert Muyomba, the consultant for the IGAD anthem said the anthem contains Intergovernmental Authority mission and vision adding that all the eight member states including Uganda contributed their input. He also that added that the anthem will have three stanzas and will be sung in schools, community gatherings and regional meetings.
Prof. Deng Nhial Chioh, a national heritage expert in South Sudan, is optimistic the anthem will greatly promote African Culture and heritage within the region since all the views of the eight member states are captured in the anthem.
