INTERVIEW: Ethiopia Festival A Sign Culture is Powerful Integration Tool – Amb. Rebecca Amuge

By Alex Masereka Joel

Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti with permanent residence in Addis Ababa, Rebecca Otengo Amuge, on Sunday, 23, March 2025, hosted a delegation of Ugandans who had travelled to the horn of Africa nation to participate in the East Africa Arts and Cultural Festival.

The colorful four-day festival had come to a close on the very day with team Uganda putting up exhilarating performances.

Honorable Grace Hellen Asamo (R) State Minister For Disability under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, led Uganda’s Delegation. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

UG Diplomat’s Alex Masereka Joel had a brief one-on-one with the ambassador in Addis Ababa, who also serves as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union about the festival and why she believes President Yoweri Museveni’s position as champion of integration is one, the country can bank on to harness its cultural heritage and that it is a powerful tool for integration.

Below are the excerpts;

AM: Your Excellency, Uganda’s participation in the Cultural and Art Festival in Ethiopia was significant. In your view, what key lessons has Uganda drawn from this experience?

Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo: Uganda’s involvement in this festival has strengthened the idea that culture is a powerful tool for regional integration. One key lesson is the importance of promoting and valuing our own locally made products. In Ethiopia, we saw a strong emphasis on locally produced clothing, musical instruments, and crafts. This speaks to Uganda’s “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” policy, and it’s something we must further embrace.

Uganda’s team during the flag parade on stage together with other participating countries on March, 23, 2025. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

Another major takeaway is that borders should not divide us. As Africans, we share common traditions, languages, and ways of life. The festival highlighted how interconnected our cultures are. Whether in music, dance, or cuisine, we saw striking similarities among participating countries, proving that we are one people despite artificial borders.

AM: You mentioned Uganda’s strong cultural representation at the festival. How do you assess the country’s performance?

Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo: Uganda made us incredibly proud. Led by Hon. Grace Hellen Asamo, the Ugandan delegation showcased outstanding talent, and this year’s performance was even better than the last. Beyond performances, we also had more Ugandan exhibitors displaying their products, which demonstrates the impact of programs like Skilling Uganda in enhancing productivity and craftsmanship.

Hon. Asamo also represented Uganda well at the ministerial discussions, advocating culture’s role in fostering peace, economic growth, and social cohesion. Uganda’s active participation is testament to our commitment to cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening regional ties.

Guests cheer on Uganda’s team during the East Africa Arts and Cultural Festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on March, 23, 2025. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

AM: You’ve spoken about the role of culture in regional integration. How can Uganda and Ethiopia build on this cooperation?

Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo: Our two countries already enjoy strong diplomatic relations, and culture can be another bridge that brings our people even closer. Ethiopia’s commitment to showcasing its heritage—especially under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership—is something we can learn from. Addis Ababa is not just the capital of Ethiopia but the capital of Africa, and it has undergone remarkable transformation to reflect this status. Uganda, too, can elevate its cultural scene by investing more in creative industries and infrastructure.

Additionally, Uganda’s President, H.E. Yoweri Museveni, has been a champion of African integration and regional stability. Culture, arts, and music can complement these efforts by promoting unity at a grassroots level. Preventive diplomacy through cultural exchange can help promote peace and security, particularly in the Great Lakes region.

AM: Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia plays a key role in strengthening these cultural and diplomatic ties. What is your experience hosting the Ugandan delegation?

Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo: It has been a privilege. I appreciate Hon. Asamo’s leadership and the team’s high-level performance. They represented Uganda with excellence, and their presence showcased our rich heritage on an international stage.

The festival also provided a platform to showcase products that define the unique culture in the region

I also want to extend my gratitude to the Ethiopian government for its hospitality and support. Our relationship with Ethiopia continues to grow, and this festival has further strengthened our collaboration. I must also acknowledge the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, who has been instrumental in spearheading this partnership.

AM: Finally, what message would you like to share with Ugandans regarding cultural development and regional cooperation?

Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otengo: I encourage Ugandans to take pride in our culture and see it as a tool for economic growth, unity, and global recognition. Investing in arts and creative industries can create employment and strengthen our identity on the international stage.

More importantly, we must view our neighbors not as separate entities but as part of a larger African family. Culture has the power to connect us, and if we harness it well, we can build a stronger, more integrated continent.

The East Africa Arts and Cultural Festival was held at the renovated Addis Ababa International Convention Centre