Mukula asks Ugandans to embrace unity and culture
Captain George Michael Mukula, the Vice Chairman (Eastern Region) for the ruling National Resistance Movement in Uganda and former State Minister of Health, has called upon Ugandans to embrace respect, culture, and unity.
Speaking at the premiere of ‘The Ateker’ comprising the Lango, Iteso, Kuman, and Karamojong stories from the Tuko Pamoja documentary series, Mukula highlighted the need for the people of Africa to unite and revive their culture, a gateway to the real Africa we want, and eventually groom the great continent.
“Africa is the second-largest continent, with a population of over 1.3 billion people and over 2000 ethnic groups. Humanity originated in Africa, and so did civilization. Just come to think of it, if we were united, it wouldn’t be far better than any continent in this world because we have everything it takes to be prosperous, including fresh waters, fresh food, and fertile land, among others.”
The Tuko Pamoja documentary film series is about Uganda’s heroes and unity in diversity.
Mukula applauded Dr. Cindy Magara, the brains behind Tuko Pamoja, for beating the odds, standing up to promote culture, and reminding the world about how Africa, and most especially Uganda, came about. “I am happy that Africans, including the likes of Dr. Cindy Magara, embrace and tell African stories and those that matter to us the most, and that culture is not exceptional.
Such stories and documentaries remind and encourage us to be proud of our color, to be proud of being an Etesot, for example, “he said.
Capt. Mukula advised the young people to take up the responsibility of protecting and preserving Africa. “Our continent is very rich, but it will be incumbent on mostly the young people to embrace it, work towards reviving our glory, and claim the riches we have.
“Let culture not divide us, let tribes not divide us, and let religion not divide us. Remember the adage that says, ‘Ununited we stand, divided we fall?”
The docu-series segment unveils the rich history of ‘The Ateker’ people in eastern and northern Uganda, portraying the collaborative efforts of various kingdoms against colonial rule. It sheds light on the significant heroes of Teso, Lango, Kumam, and the Karamojong while recognizing their contributions to regional and kingdom development.
Written by Rogers Atukunda and directed by Dr. Evelyn Cindy Magara, a lecturer of film and literature at Makerere University, the film explores the unifying geopolitical and geolinguistics of 1870–1900 Uganda and the historical relationships between the peoples of the Great Lakes Region.
While addressing the audience immediately after ‘The Ateker’ segment showcase, Dr. Cindy, Tuko Pamoja Director and also doubles as CEO of Nyati Motion Pictures, said the project aims at highlighting and emphasizing our oneness as indicated in the history of Africa.
“This film aims to foster interconnection since our pre-colonial history shows that we are one” (Tuko Pamoja) and our different tribes (nations) were geographical emblems that should continue to define but not divide us. This is because our pre-colonial history shows that Uganda already existed in terms of politics and language, and the people continue to propagate the division seed sown by colonialists.”
“By retracing the historical footsteps of Omukama Kabaleega of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, King Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom, Chief Awich of Payira, and Queen Muhumuza of Kigezi, etc., as some of the major players, especially in the resistance against British imperialism from 1870s to 1900, we learn about the origin of the people of Uganda and the nations (kingdoms) they belonged to that later morphed into Uganda,” she added.
The series had its first five segments premiere at the National Theatre and started with Bunyoro-Kitara (Sat. Feb. 3 at 3:00–7:30 pm), Buganda (Sunday Feb. 11 at 6:00–9:00 pm), Busoga (Wed. Feb. 21 at 5:00–9:00 pm), Ankole (Wed. Feb. 28 at 5:00–9:00 pm), ‘Ango’ Peoples (Sun. March 10 at 2:00–6:00 pm), and the Peoples of Eastern Uganda, which will premiere on Saturday, March 23 at 3:00–7:00 pm
The last seven segments will all premiere at Ndere Centre along Ntinda-Kisasi Road, starting with Tooro (Sat. 6th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), The Luo (Sat. 20th April at 3:00-8:00 pm), Kigezi (Sat. 4th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Lado Enclave: West Nile (Sat. 11th May at 3:00-8:00 pm), Breakaway States (Sat. 18th May at 3:00-7:00 pm), Kingdoms of the Mountains of the Moon (25th May at 3:00-7:00 pm), and Uganda: The Making of a Nation (1st June at 3:00-7:00 pm).
According to Atukunda, Tuko Pamoja docu-series is already screening different segments at Ham Cinemax in Wandegeya and Makerere University Food Science auditorium and will be running until June 8, 2024.
We understand that Tuko Pamoja will also be screened in all major towns across the country. Look out for when it will be in your town!
