Mbale, Uganda: The much-anticipated Oluhuje Festival, a cultural reunion of the Banyole community in the diaspora, will officially commence tomorrow with a general cleaning exercise in Mbale Northern City Division ahead of the main celebrations scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Nakaloke Playgrounds.
This was confirmed by Mr. Kadimba Hussein, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner and Eastern Region President of the Banyole in the diaspora, in a phone interview with Daily Express.
Kadimba revealed that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, has confirmed attendance as the chief guest. “She will preside over the event. I’m in close contact with her,” he said.
The Oluhuje Festival is designed to promote unity, cultural pride, and identity among the Banyole community scattered across Uganda and the diaspora.
“We have already raised 40% of the Shs107 million budget in cash from well-wishers and our own contributions as a community,” Kadimba revealed, adding that more pledges are expected before the festival day.
The organizing committee also received a boost from Mr. Arafat Wakooli, the President of the Security Shield Bouncers Association in the Eastern Region, who donated Shs1 million on Wednesday at the association’s offices.
“I feel blessed to host the Oluhuje team led by Assistant Commissioner Kadimba Hussein. I’ve seen their efforts and felt compelled to support them,” said Wakooli. “Giving is a blessing, and I find joy in contributing to causes that uplift our community. Kadimba’s leadership is commendable; he has united Banyole beyond Butaleja.”
Kadimba, who received the donation on behalf of the organizing committee, praised Wakooli’s generosity and the contribution of the Security Shield Bouncers Association to public safety. “I want to thank Arafat for organizing and uniting bouncers in the region. His work is vital to our public events.”
He urged other bouncers nationwide to emulate their professionalism and trustworthiness.
Kadimba also told Daily Express that Saturday’s festivities will begin with a blood donation drive. “We are registering many accident cases yet we don’t have a factory for blood. That’s why we shall start the day by giving back through a donation camp,” he said.
He confirmed there will be feasting and entertainment, with performers from across Eastern Uganda lined up to grace the festival. The Speaker’s presence, he said, symbolizes national recognition of the Banyole’s growing cultural footprint.
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