Minister Asamo roots for culture preservation in East Africa

ADDIS ABABA - State minister of disability affairs Grace Hellen Asamo has said culture has the power to unite people, inspire, and challenge any negative assumptions.

“I am reminded of the profound impact that art and culture have on our lives. They have the power to unite us, to inspire us, and to challenge our assumptions,” she said.

Asamo was speaking at the official opening of the East African Art and culture festival on Thursday at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

She praised the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for honouring the invitation and attending the Ateker Reunion Festival which was held from 27th -29th November 2024 in the City of Soroti in Uganda. 

She added that active participation of the Ethiopian delegation in the Ateker Reunion festival was a clear demonstration of the brotherly relationship Uganda and Ethiopia enjoy through such regular cultural exchange programmes.

“As we gather here in this festival under the theme ‘Promoting Collaboration through Art and Culture,’ I am reminded of the profound impact that art and culture have on our lives. This festival is a testament to the richness and diversity of our regional art and culture,” she noted.

She added that as Eastern Africans, they are blessed with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by our diverse traditions, languages, and histories. From the vibrant textiles of Ethiopia to the intricate woodcarvings of Uganda, from the rhythmic beats of Tanzania to the poetic verses of Kenya, our region is a treasure trove of creative expression.

Asamo is leading a delegation of 22 Ugandans at the festival which ends on Sunday. The festival has attracted participants from Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi.