Minister Asamo flags off Uganda’s team to Ethiopia for East African Arts Festival

Entebbe, (UG):- The Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, has flagged off a 22-member Ugandan delegation set to represent the country at the East African Culture and Arts Festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The team, which includes artists, cultural exhibitors, and officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, departed from Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday morning after a send-off ceremony at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC).

While flagging off the team, Hon. Asamo emphasized that Uganda’s participation aims to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, fostering unity and diversity.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for sponsoring the trip, highlighting the festival as an opportunity to strengthen regional ties through cultural exchange.

Robert Musiitwa, UNCC’s Public Relations and Marketing Officer, highlighted that the team was selected from various creative domains represented by the UNCC, including members of the National Association of Arts and Crafts.

The festival, themed “Art and Culture for Regional Cooperation,” will run from March 20 to 23, bringing together artists and cultural practitioners from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.

The festival’s lineup includes traditional and cultural music performances, cultural exhibitions, conferences, and fashion shows, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents while fostering regional cultural collaboration.