The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The 3rd edition of the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat organised Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni Festival (JAMAFEST) entered day two Sunday, with the highlight being the official opening of the culural festival by Uganda Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
The main objective of the festival that runs until Septmber 14 is to promote regional socio-cultural integration through arts and culture by providing a regional platform to showcase culture as a prime driver of EAC integration.
“As East Africans, we once again gather in Kampala as One People with a Common Destiny, to celebrate and acknowledge the great importance of our cultural identity while appreciating the significance of coming together to interact and share experiences meant to foster social cohesion and unity,” said Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko, The Secretary General EAC Secretariat.
LIVE FEED FROM JAMAFEST PRESENTATIONS
After the carnival that took place on Kampala road on Saturday, the main venue of the festival shifted to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds where the main stage for cultural performances, the exhibition and market place are.
The subsidiary venues include Uganda National Cultural centre where specialized shows including film festival, comedy and drama will be conducted. Hotel Africana will host the Symposium, fashion show and the closing Dinner gala.
The JAMAFEST is being held within the provision of Article 119 (c) of the Treaty for the Establishment of EAC where Partner States undertake to promote close cooperation amongst themselves in culture and sports.
Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan cultural groups are performing. The arts and culture festival provides a platform for the people of East Africa to show case their talents and cultural creativity.
The first edition of the JAMAFEST that was held in February 2013 in Kigali, Rwanda and the 2nd Edition held in August 2015 in Nairobi Kenya. JAMAFEST 2017, is running under the theme; “ Culture and creative industries: An Engine for unity and Employment Creation”.
A theme Song has been composed and will be played throughout the festival period as part of the publicity campaign of creating awareness of the role of arts and culture in regional integration.
THE FULL PROGRAMME
Jumiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni JAMAFEST festival 2017 by The Independent Magazine on Scribd
