By Our Reporter 

Teso – Africans are being called upon to embrace and celebrate their rich cultural heritage as a source of identity, unity, and sustainable development. This message comes ahead of the much-anticipated Royal Pan-African visit to Soroti District, led by His Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya and a distinguished royal delegation.

The royal journey, which includes a symbolic stop at the iconic Source of the Nile in Jinja, underscores the significance of Uganda’s cultural and geographical landmarks. As the Nile begins its northward journey from this historic location, the visit resonates as a call for unity, cultural preservation, and the promotion of heritage tourism.

In Uganda, traditional monarchies like the Kumam Kingdom play a pivotal role in preserving cultural norms, values, and identity. The King’s visit to Soroti is expected to foster local relationships, address community concerns, and support development projects—especially those aligned with cultural and social advancement.

The royal procession will be formally received at Sun City Hotel in Soroti, followed by a royal dinner that aims to reinforce solidarity among dignitaries while celebrating a shared African identity. A visit to His Highness Otaya’s ancestral home in Katine Sub-County is also planned, further cementing cultural ties and opening avenues for future collaborations in the areas of unity, identity, and socio-economic development.

As part of the visit, the delegation will proceed to Serere District on May 28, where they will inspect ongoing community initiatives led by AIDO Network International. A groundbreaking ceremony for a new community center is also scheduled, underscoring the group’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and collaborative development.

These engagements come in the wake of Uganda’s Pan African Liberation Day celebrations, which served as a powerful reminder of Africa’s shared history and the enduring importance of cultural heritage in promoting pan-African cooperation.

AIDO Network International, a non-profit organization at the heart of this initiative, uses culture as a transformative tool to foster peace, respect, and sustainable development. Grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy, AIDO’s mission centers on humanity, human rights, and social inclusion. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has expanded globally, with chapters across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

His Highness Otaya, as the head of the AIDO Royal Community, plays a central role in uniting traditional leadership to preserve African heritage while advancing global cultural diplomacy. Supporting him in this endeavor is Queen Grace Eganda, AIDO’s Secretary General, who champions unity and development through cultural cooperation.

The delegation also includes respected global leaders such as Edwin Dave Patterson Bent (Quweku Shaka Zulu), a community advocate for rural development and food security; Queen Mother Hon. Millicent Odhiambo Nabura, AIDO’s Vice President for East Africa and a voice for civic engagement and reparative justice; and Queen Mother ACOM V Dr. Myrna Belgrave, a passionate human rights activist for the African diaspora.

Also part of the delegation is mindset coach and hypnotherapist Kerry Mountjoy, known for her dedication to charity work and personal empowerment, further emphasizing the diverse and inclusive nature of this cultural mission.