African Envoys Meet Minister Otafiire Ahead of Africa Day Fete

A delegation of African envoys stationed in Uganda met with the country’s Internal Affairs Minister, Kahinda Otafiire, as part of the preparatory meetings for the upcoming 2024 Africa Day Celebrations, scheduled for May 25. The discussions are a crucial step in organizing the event, which Uganda will co-host with active participation from countries such as Ethiopia.

Minister Kahinda Otafiire, who also serves as the Chairman of the Global Pan African Movement Uganda Chapter, welcomed the ambassadors and highlighted the importance of the Africa Day Celebrations. This event aims to foster unity and cooperation among African nations while celebrating the continent’s rich cultural heritage and achievements.

On 25 May, Africa Day commemorates the historic day in 1963, when African nations came together to form the Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union (AU). The theme for this year’s celebration is; Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih, was among the key diplomats who met with Otafiire. Her participation underscores Ethiopia’s significant role in the event. Other notable diplomats present included the South African High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Ms. Lulama Xingwana; Rwanda’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Col Joseph Rutabana; and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mohammed Suleiman Ahmed. Their presence signifies a strong commitment from various African nations to make the 2024 African Day Celebrations a success.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih (L) makes a point during the meeting. Looking on, Right, is, the South African High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Ms. Lulama Xingwana

Minister Otafiire expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, emphasizing its potential to enhance solidarity and collaboration among African countries.

The ambassadors also shared their thoughts on the preparations and expressed their countries’ support for the event. They highlighted the importance of such gatherings in promoting Pan-African ideals and fostering diplomatic relations.

The 2024 Africa Day Celebrations promise to be a significant event, featuring cultural exhibitions, discussions on African development, and various activities aimed at showcasing the continent’s diversity and potential.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to making the 2024 African Day Celebrations a landmark event in the history of African unity and cooperation. The ambassadors and Minister Otafiire pledged to work closely together to ensure that the event not only celebrates Africa’s past achievements but also inspires future progress and collaboration among African nations.