By Our Reporter
LIRA
Speaking to our reporters at the sideline of the event, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena has applauded the organisers of the 3rd Edition of the TWENDE ZETU Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, describing the initiative as a timely and noble effort to preserve the ideals, values, and vision of the founding leaders who championed East African unity and liberation.
The pilgrimage and memorial activities, organised by Mr. Kisembo Tendo, Founder of Afrika Mashariki, officially commenced today, 7th October 2026, in Uganda with a memorial prayer and youth dialogue held in honour of the three founding fathers of the East African Federation: H.E. Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, H.E. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and H.E. Jomo Kenyatta. The 3rd edition of the pilgrimage safari will continue onward to Kenya and Tanzania as part of a broader regional effort to celebrate the enduring legacy of East Africa’s historic statesmen.
Speaking in recognition of the initiative, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena commended the organisers for creating a platform that not only honours the memory of the region’s founding leaders, but also inspires a new generation of East Africans to embrace the values of unity, Pan-Africanism, patriotism, solidarity, and regional cooperation.
She noted that the legacies of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and Jomo Kenyatta remain central to the ongoing conversation about the future of East Africa and the long-cherished dream of a political federation. Their collective vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous East Africa continues to serve as a guiding light for present and future generations.
The event in Akokoro attracted distinguished delegations and leaders from across the continent, including representatives from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. Mama Miria Obote and the Obote family warmly welcomed the team to Akokoro, in a moving moment of remembrance and reflection on the life and contribution of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote to Uganda, East Africa, and the wider African continent.
Also present were political leaders, religious leaders including bishops from different denominations, and representatives of the Won Nyaci of Lango, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the broad support for efforts aimed at preserving the memory and mission of East Africa’s founding fathers.
The memorial prayer and youth dialogue served as both a tribute and a call to action. Participants reflected on the bold leadership and transformative vision of the three statesmen, whose commitment to African liberation and regional integration laid the foundation for the East African Community and the aspiration toward a full political federation.
Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, in particular, is remembered for his enduring commitment to African unity, social justice, and the belief that East Africa’s strength lies in collective purpose. His vision, alongside that of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta, emphasized that regional integration is not merely a political ideal, but a necessary path toward shared prosperity, strategic autonomy, and sustainable peace.
As East Africa continues to advance cooperation in trade, infrastructure, education, peacebuilding, and people-to-people exchange, leaders and citizens alike are being called upon to renew efforts toward a deeper and more meaningful political federation. The values championed by the founding fathers remain profoundly relevant in addressing contemporary regional challenges and opportunities.
Hon. Betty Amongi Akena therefore called for enhanced commitment from political leaders, institutions, civil society, youth, and communities across East Africa to carry forward the vision of the founding fathers through practical action, sustained dialogue, and stronger regional solidarity.
The TWEND3 ZETU Butiama Pilgrimage Safari stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, unity, and purpose. By retracing the footsteps and celebrating the contributions of the founding fathers, the initiative rekindles the spirit of East African brotherhood and reinforces the urgent need to transform historical vision into present-day reality.
As the pilgrimage proceeds from Uganda to Kenya and Tanzania, it is expected to further deepen regional reflection and engagement around the ideals of unity, integration, and collective destiny.
In honouring Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and Jomo Kenyatta, East Africa is reminded that the dream of political federation is still alive — and that its realization depends on the courage, commitment, and shared resolve of the r
egion’s people and leaders.
