Kenya’s envoy implores Ugandan pupils to love EAC
The High Commissioner lauded the initiative as a step toward deepening people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Learners ready to board a bus to Kenya for a trip. (Courtesy)
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In a bid to strengthen regional unity from the grassroots, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda has encouraged learners in primary schools to embrace the East African Community integration spirit.
“Integration means Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and DR Congo should feel that they are one family. It is to our advantage as nations to unite and benefit from the economies of scale,” Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, said on Sunday.
Maangi made the remarks at the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala on Sunday, while flagging off 600 pupils of Hillside Primary School to Kenya for an educational tour.
The High Commissioner lauded the initiative as a step toward deepening people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring nations.
“Kenya and Uganda are each other’s greatest sources of tourists. Kenya provides Uganda with the highest number of tourists, while Uganda gives Kenya the second largest number, only after the US,” Maangi said.
The Ambassador expressed joy that over 600 pupils would be visiting Kenya this year, from 270 last year.
“We are very happy because with close to 700 students going to Kenya, we are getting closer to our target of 300,000 tourists,” he said, emphasising that such initiatives not only boost tourism but also strengthen cultural bonds.
The pupils, who gathered at the High Commission at 6:00pm, were visibly thrilled as they prepared to embark on their journey.
After waving Uganda, Kenya and East African flags, the students boarded buses that would take them across the border for a trip blending learning, adventure, and regional friendship.
Maangi urged the pupils to embrace the spirit of East African integration during their visit.
“My message to all the young ones going to Kenya and to those coming to Uganda is that we are one people. We are East Africans,” he said.
The school’s Deputy head teacher, Frederik Batulabudde, thanked the High Commission for its support and noted that such exchanges offer pupils not only a chance to relax after exams but also to appreciate the cultural and social diversity of the region.
As the buses rolled out of the High Commission compound, cheers and excitement filled the air, an echo of the bright future envisioned by both nations through education and cooperation.
Kenya and Uganda continue to foster strong bilateral relations, particularly in trade, tourism, and education.