South Sudanese students dressed in their cultural attire cultural gala organized by the International University of East Africa in Uganda - PHOTOS BY RONNIE KIJJAMBU

March 7, 2024, was a colourful day at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) as students from different parts of Africa showcased enhanced cultural representations based on their origins.

University students from South Sudan participated in the 2024 Cultural Gala at the Kansanga University Campus in Uganda.

Culture is regarded as a flower of human beings, a fruit of minds, a product of traditions, and an expression of desires.

It is also seen as a powerhouse, an employer of millions, the engine of economic progress, and a force for social cohesion because of its uniqueness.

This, in simple terms, according to Hon. Stephen Kiyingi, the prime minister of Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda, is enough to bring Africans together and share ideas regarding peace restoration and economic development.

He said culture makes different people think alike and speak one language of happiness, hence forgetting their differences.

Kiyingi spoke at a cultural gala organized by the International University of East Africa (IUEA) on March 7, 2024.

The event attracted over 30 nationalities. Themed “different but the same,” the culture aimed to provide a platform for students to embrace and showcase the rich tapestry of cultures present.

Attendees witnessed a mesmerizing array of cultural performances, including traditional dances, anthems, and a vibrant display of cultural wear.

Even though there was a unique mosaic from each culture, everyone at the function said it was high time for African countries to unite and form one country so that all these cultures could remain in circulation.

Kiyingi noted that an institution like IUEA has done its best to promote Pan-Africanism, linking the youth with fresh ideas and fighting for the continent’s independence. He said education is a great tool to help students gain credible knowledge.

The prime minister recalled that President Museveni’s taking over the country’s leadership in 1986 made it peaceful for everyone.

“For example, in Uganda, President Museveni studied with people from all parts of Africa at der-es-Salaam University, and that was some kind of ideological group that led to a strong tie that eventually helped him become president,” he said.

Uganda was once a devasted country, and it would hardly attract foreigners, but Kiyingi said President Museveni made it possible. Uganda is now seen as a pool of peace and has been named the pearl of Africa.

As a sign of a peaceful nation, Uganda is the largest refugee hostage of 1.5 million. Most refugees come from South Sudan (57%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (32%), Somalia (3%), and Burundi (3%).

Kiyingi implored students from different parts of the continent to pick up good lessons from Uganda and use them to build their already-tattered countries.

“Go back home and become ambassadors of Pan-Africanism so that Africa can learn to live together despite differences in religion, culture, and others,” he said.

The prime minister believed that it was high time for all Africans to call Africa home and not be seen as refugees when they go to another country within Africa. “If Africa cannot accept its own, then where do you want them to go? This is the core of pan-Africanism.”

Commendation

The prime minister commended South Sudanese students who showcased a unique style in their cultural dances, which he said could be used to unite other people back home.

South Sudan, being the youngest in Africa by all means, has to grow, and given the opportunity through its exposure, students in Uganda can act as shock absorbers to unite and boost peace.

Last year, South Sudanese students emerged as the top winners and this time they did the same. Most attendees commended the superb performance but insisted that such dances would shape their nation’s politically unclear peace.

History

Natasha Sonnet, the dean of students at IUEA, said the institution hosts diverse students from different countries and unites them through organizing annual cultural gala competitions.

Since the time it was inaugurated, the annual event has united students who, at first, never used to bond, according to Sonnet.

“You see, all the students are enjoying themselves, tasting different local foods for each other; they are having fun. That’s our motive to bring them together, and this is the best. I hope they can do it back home,” she said.

Leek Mayanga from South Sudan, a student at IUEA, said his country has had civil wars, but coming to Uganda and seeing students from other countries bonding was a great experience, and he expects to take it back home.

“Now I know how peace is built. I plan to go back and share ideas,” he said.

Most of the students from Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Somalia agreed that culture and coming together is one of the best ways to promote unity and tourism.