By Our Reporter 

Kololo, Kampala — In a powerful celebration of resilience, identity, and unity, Pan Afrikan royals, cultural leaders, and diaspora delegates convened at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Pan Afrikan Liberation Day. The event, led by HRH Won Ateker Me Kumam Raphael Otaya and Paul Eganda, President of the AIDO Network International, marked 62 years of the Pan Afrikan Liberation Movement, reaffirming its enduring legacy and significance across generations.

Delegates from across the African continent and the diaspora — including Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Jamaica, Barbados, the United Kingdom, and others — gathered in solidarity, commemorating not only a historic movement but also reinforcing their commitment to cultural renaissance and global African unity.

“This is more than a celebration,” said AIDO President Paul Eganda. “It’s a reaffirmation of who we are as a people — connected by heritage, empowered by identity, and committed to the Pan Afrikan vision.”

The celebration at Kololo was as symbolic as it was cultural. Traditional drumbeats, reggae anthems from Lucky Dube, and Congolese soukous music filled the grounds as royals and guests danced and sang together, showcasing Africa’s vibrant diversity and unified spirit.

A central theme of the event was **reconnection and unification**, as leaders emphasized that colonial-era borders must no longer divide African people. The message was clear: Africans everywhere — on the continent and in the diaspora — share a common identity, struggle, and future.

Queen Mother Achom (Dr. Hilary Brown) of Barbados, who served as chief guest, drew emotional connections between the Caribbean and Africa, underscoring the significance of spiritual and cultural reconnection. “We are returning, not as guests, but as family reclaiming our rightful place in the Pan Afrikan family,” she declared.

In addition to cultural celebration, the gathering served as a platform for advocacy. Delegates called for the return of African artifacts stolen during colonization and demanded reparations for historical injustices endured during slavery and foreign occupation.

Renowned scholar Dr. Muhammad Jalal Hashim spoke passionately about the role of Pan Afrikanism in safeguarding the continent’s autonomy. “We must guard against neo-colonialism and economic exploitation. Pan Afrikanism is not a slogan — it’s a shield, a strategy, and a soul of our collective liberation.”

The event also drew diplomatic presence, with envoys and representatives from several African nations including Rwanda, Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, expressing support and solidarity. Their participation signaled a growing continental commitment to cross-border collaboration and Pan Afrikan development.

As the sun set over Kololo, the atmosphere remained electric — not just with music and dance, but with the deep sense of purpose that this movement carries. The gathering was a testament to a global Afrikan renaissance, as voices from across continents continue to echo one message: "We are one people. One heritage. One destiny."