Culture affects every part of our lives; our food, music, fashion, our loyalties and even our morality stem from our cultural affiliations.
The Uganda International Cultural Fair 2016, a brainchild of PFT events, was the first of it’s kind. It took place from the 29th to 31st July at the Uganda Museum grounds. Backed by the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. East Africa has the highest rate of cultural decay unfortunately, and it is key for all stakeholders to take initiative to advance cultural knowledge in the upcoming generation.
The aim of the festival was to involve the youth in the showcasing and appreciation of Ugandan culture. There were individual displays by cultural groups as well as a myriad if performances including dances, poetry, music and story telling.
Contemporary artist Haka Mchiga from the Milege Acoustic Project brought a cultural spin on new music. There was also a number of demonstrations on how to make traditional food and drinks as well as a detailed presentation on Shea Butter processing by the Acholi community.
The Refugee Law Project were a crowd favourite with their Acholi dances and the Karamojong community took home the prize for best cultural display. The Uganda Pioneers Association Cultural Troupe (UPACT) wowed with their range of performances from all over Uganda.
Primary and Secondary school quizes took place on Friday and Saturday. Quiz topics revolved around food, fashion, music, dance, drama, cultural sites and cultural events of various Ugandan communities.
Green Hill Academy took the Primary School trophy while Jinja SS shone in the Secondary Schools category. The quiz was moderated by UTB Deputy CEO Mr John Sempabwa and carried a magnificent prize for the winners. The winning teams and their teachers are treated to a tour of any one destination in Uganda as well as have their school fees for the upcoming term all courtesy of the Uganda Tourism Board.
Sunday was the closing ceremony of the fair and was attended by a number of dignitaries including the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Uganda, MP Moroto Logiel Annie, Woman MP Abim, Prime Minister of Lang’o Dr. Richard Nam, the Kwar Adhola Moses Owor and the Turkish community in Uganda just to mention a few. Special recognition was given to Mich Regis; daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Maurice Manano Opar of Nebbi District, a talented 11yr old who, along with her classmate Praise Kassamba, authored a book about culture called ‘Picked From The Street’.
The Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga graced the occasion representing the President. She promised to support the agenda of cultural advancement especially among the youth.
