Africa-Press – Uganda. Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, and his Tanzanian counterpart, Maj Gen Paul Kisesa Simuli, have called for greater East African unity and tougher anti-corruption measures.
The calls came during the launch of the second edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari.
Maangi described corruption as the region’s biggest barrier to progress.
“If East Africa is going to integrate and progress, we must fight corruption,” he said. “Corruption is the one thing that has persistently disabled countries from development.”
He praised Uganda’s efforts.
“I am very proud that Uganda is taking this very seriously. That is the direction we must take,” he said.
Maangi also commended Tanzania’s $44.5 million (about Shs 5.8 billion) investment in preserving the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
“This is a good educational commitment by the Government of Tanzania to promote the legacy of one of the best pan-Africans that ever lived,” he said.
He said the Bukoba pilgrimage represents East Africa’s shared values.
“This pilgrimage is far more than just a journey. It is a collective commitment to unity through shared heritage,” Maangi said. “The resting place is not just a geographical landmark. It is a site of spiritual and historical reflection and a reminder of the ideals that continue to shape our region and Africa as a whole.”
Maangi noted the pilgrimage honors values like self-reliance, social justice, and human dignity.
He applauded the interfaith nature of the journey.
“Despite our differences, we can come together through dialogue, reflection, and a shared commitment to peace,” he said.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s support for such initiatives.
“Let us continue to walk this path together, not only toward Butiama, but towards a stronger, more united East Africa,” Maangi said.
Tanzania’s envoy, Maj Gen Simuli, also urged East Africans to participate in the pilgrimage this September.
“This is an unforgettable, wonderful, and exciting journey. Myself, I will be there because my brother said he will be there. So I urge all of you in this room to be there,” Simuli said.
He praised Africa Tourism and Heritage CEO Dr. Ronald Kayanja and his team for promoting regional unity through culture, spirituality, and dialogue.
He also thanked the Government of Uganda under President Museveni for supporting the cause.
Reflecting on the first edition, Simuli said, “It was an immersive experience, a journey filled with profound learning, engaging with the rich history and enduring philosophy that shaped our nations and inspired a continent.”
He described the pilgrimage as a place for bonding and learning.
“The comradeship we experienced, the lively discussions we had, and the connections we made truly embodied the spirit of the East African Community and Africa at large,” he said.
Simuli said participants learn from the journey and from each other. He expressed hope that this year’s edition will be even better.
“We aim to deepen learning, amplify enjoyment, strengthen bonds, and enrich the exchange of ideas,” he said.
The Bukoba pilgrimage ends at Butiama, the resting place of Tanzania’s founding father Julius Nyerere.
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