ENTEBBE, UGANDA — In a remarkable celebration of culture and diplomacy, the Kumam Kingdom rolled out a grand royal welcome on Friday night, May 24, at Entebbe International Airport for dignitaries arriving for the Pan African Liberation Day commemorations. The ceremony, led by His Royal Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya, was rich with traditional music, dance, and regal pageantry—an impressive showcase of the Kumam people’s cultural heritage and their pivotal role in promoting African unity.
The royal reception set a vibrant tone for a weekend of festivities, culminating in Saturday’s cultural exhibitions and Sunday’s national celebration held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. These events were organized by the Pan African Movement Uganda National Chapter, chaired by Njima Ben Bob Bolt, under the theme: “Dismantling Colonial Borders and Strengthening Continental Cooperation.”
High-Profile Delegations Embrace Unity
Among the esteemed guests were His Royal Highness Papa Paul Jonn Eganda I, President of the AIDO Network International, and Her Highness Queen Grace Eganda. Their presence, along with other royal dignitaries from Nigeria, Kenya, the Caribbean, and Europe, emphasized a shared commitment to revitalizing indigenous institutions and advancing cultural diplomacy.
The Kumam Kingdom, honored as the cultural custodian for this year’s celebrations, took center stage. Traditional leaders from across Africa—including Dr. Alhaji Bashir and the Emir of Machina, HRH Bukar Manchinama—praised the unity and significance of traditional leadership in Africa’s modern development agenda.
Pan African Liberation Day: 62 Years of Resilience
The highlight of the celebration took place on Saturday, May 25, as thousands gathered at Kololo Airstrip to mark the 62nd Pan African Liberation Day. The event was filled with traditional performances, sacred artifacts, and heartfelt speeches that reinforced Africa’s resilience and cultural pride.
The Chief Guest, Queen Mother ACOM V Dr. Myrna Belgrave, a Barbadian educator and activist, passionately called for reparations and the return of stolen African artifacts. Her message resonated across the audience, highlighting the event’s deeper mission of justice, restoration, and unity.
Strengthening Cultural Bonds Through Royal Tour
On Sunday, May 26, HRH Otaya and his royal entourage traveled to Soroti District, pausing at the Source of the Nile to symbolize reconnection with Uganda’s historical heritage. They were welcomed at Sun City Hotel for a royal dinner, strengthening ties of kinship and regional identity.
The journey continued with a visit to HRH Otaya’s ancestral home in Katine Sub-County, and is set to proceed to Serere District on May 28, where the delegation will launch a new community center and inspect AIDO-supported development projects.
About AIDO Network International
Founded in 2018, the Ateker International Development Organization (AIDO) is a London-based nonprofit focused on cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, AIDO connects traditional leaders, communities, and diaspora networks to promote social justice and inclusion across Africa and the world.
Distinguished Guests
The event featured a diverse roster of influential royal figures and advocates, including:
- HH Papa Paul J. Jones Eganda I – AIDO President and cultural unity ambassador.
- HH Queen Grace Eganda – AIDO Secretary General and human rights advocate.
- HRH Dr. Hillary Brown (Queen Asianut Acom II) – Cultural heritage and reparations advocate from CARICOM.
- HRH Alhaji Dr. Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama – Emir of Machina and community development leader.
- Edwin Dave Patterson Bent (Quweku Shaka Zulu) – Former Costa Rican senator focused on Afro-Caribbean rights.
- Queen Mother Millicent Odhiambo Nabura – AIDO East Africa VP and justice advocate.
- Queen Mother ACOM V Dr. Myrna Belgrave – Diaspora activist and reparations champion.
- Queen Mother Dr. Angela Soong – UN Peace Ambassador and spiritual healing advocate.
- Kenvin Camron Husbands – Barbadian finance and spiritual development expert.
- Nicola Garrington – UK-based anti-trafficking activist.
- Chief Dr. Neculai Vintila Otim – Renewable energy and sustainability expert.
- Kerry Mountjoy – Trauma healing and empowerment coach.
- Lauralyn Julie-Ann Bynoe – Barbadian health and wellness advocate.
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