EDUCATION | CULTURAL | GALA

KAMPALA - The state minister for Industry, David Bahati was Saturday excited by the various cultural performances of students of Kampala International University (KIU) and jumped out of his seat, and took part in the dancing of the Bakiga dance.

The minister had watched the 19 cultural associations from various tribal backgrounds that registered to take part in 2023 cultural gala, during which they displayed amazing skills. 

Minister Bahati said the cultural gala was a celebration of unity in diversity and a celebration of the various cultures and said he was grateful to be part of the event and watch his group perform. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

He was the guest of honor at the annual gala but when the performers from the KIU Kigezi Students’ Association, who included students from his Ndorwa West Constituency and Kigezi region in general, he rose up and started stomping his feet on the floor as he displayed his arms, in a famous celebratory dance of the Bakiga tribal group that demonstrates joy and happiness. 

The dance is known for its show of strength with stamping galore and his skills attracted wild cheers from KIU staff and students.

Nkoba Zambogo students perform.

He later referred to the various displays of students as fantabulous and an affirmation of solid African culture. 

He made the remarks during the Kampala International University (KIU) Cultural Gala 2023 held at the main campus at Kansanga, which attracted various tribal students’ associations including foreign groups.

David Bahati (R), the State Minister for Industry with Dr. Janice Desire Busingye (C), the Vice Chancellor Kampala International University in charge of finance and administration arrive for the ceremony.

“I enjoyed every bit of the multitudinous cultures. It was 'fantabulous', a celebration of unity in diversity, an affirmation of solid African culture,” the minister said on Saturday, February 25, 2023, after attending the gala where he was the guest of honor.

He was received at the event by the Vice Chancellors, Prof. Mouhammad Mpezamihigo and the deputy Vice chancellors in charge of finance and administration, Dr. Janice Desire Busingye together with the guild President, Moses Ebye.

Students of Nkoba-Zambogo dance during the annual cultural gala at Kampala International University.

Baganda Students Association under their performing group, the Baganda Nkbazambogo were declared winners of the gala, followed by KIU Kitara Students Association, while the KIU Bamasaba Students Association came third and all were given trophies.

The KIU Banyarwanda Students’ Association were declared the best international association and competed with others from Somalia, Burundi and other groups. 

Students performed different cultural dances.

Other participants included Basoga Nseete, Banyarwanda, Bafumbira, Banyankore, Iteso, Samia, Bamasaba, Somali, Banyole, Banyoro, Batooro, among others. 

It was the first cultural Gala since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

A student of Nkoba-Zambogo dances during the annual cultural gala.

Bahati said this was a celebration of unity in diversity and a celebration of the various cultures and said he was grateful to be part of the event and watch his group perform. 

He said people should never be shy to be proud of their culture, and thanked the university for organizing the cultural gala.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Mouhammad Mpezamihigo remarks.

He said it was a blessing to the country, which should be emulated by all universities in Uganda.

“It was more than I expected and I did not know that university students can come down to this level and perform, compete and defend their cultures but at the same time remain united together with other cultures, I look forward to seeing more events like this,” he said.

Some of the students who attended the cultural gala.

Bahati advised students to love their heritage because it contributes to their identity, values and orientation.

Prof. Mpezamihigo said the gala was exciting to students because they had not organized one of the last three because of the covid-19 pandemic lockdown. 

Minister Bahat is interviewed after addressing students at the cultural gala.

He told the guests that it was important in strengthening love and relationships among the various cultures at the university and show the diversity and wealth in each of the tribal groups that are represented.

“We promote unity amongst our students despite them coming from various backgrounds, we want them to appreciate their culture so that they can as well appreciate other people’s cultures when they go out wherever they will be working,” he said. 

Bahati referred to the various displays of students as fantabulous and an affirmation of solid African culture.

He believed that the day-long gala caused a lot of excitement for the students who were keen on watching how the various groups perform.

He applauded the minister for accepting to grace the occasion and appealed to other universities and institutions of learning to invest in such events to give a chance to students to participate and show their respect for other groups.

......................................................

Several students were in attendance.

It was the first cultural Gala since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

Students performed really entertained the guests and their fellows..

Students performed from different cultures.

Bahati advised students to love their heritage because it contributes to their identity, values and orientation.

The dancers did not disappoint those who were at the venue.

Minister Bahati participates in the dance with students.

Prof. Mpezamihigo said the gala was exciting to students because they had not organized one of the last three because of the covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

The day-long gala caused a lot of excitement for the students who were keen on watching how the various groups perform.

Excited students watch the gara.