Kampala | 26th September 2025
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, on Friday 26th September, 2025, joined regional dignitaries to flag off participants of the second Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, a youth-led initiative organized by Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF).
The event brought together key regional leaders, including H.E. Amb . Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, and H.E. Amb. Joash Maangi, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Uganda. The pilgrimage marks the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and celebrates 26 years of the revived East African Community (EAC).
Delivering remarks as the Chief Guest, H.E. Amb. Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli expressed gratitude to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, for sponsoring the pilgrimage. He warmly welcomed the participants to Tanzania and urged them to use the journey as an opportunity to deeply study and embrace the values of Mwalimu Nyerere, calling upon the youth to take sole responsibility for advancing East African unity.
H.E. Amb. Joash Maangi underscored the urgency of regional integration, stating that “the time for East African integration is now.” He challenged the youth to identify as East Africanists, emphasizing that regional unity is key to economic growth, prosperity, and poverty eradication.
Addressing the participants, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke called on the youth to embrace integrity and the incorruptible character exemplified by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. He emphasized the need for young people to return from the pilgrimage renewed and committed to the fight against corruption, noting that corruption accounts for over 5 percent of global GDP losses annually, and continues to undermine development and moral values across societies.
The CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest, Dr. Kisembo Tendo, reflected on the outcomes of the first edition of the pilgrimage, which produced the Butiama Accord a document later presented to EAC Heads of State advocating for deeper regional integration, anti-corruption efforts, youth investment, and the adoption of Kiswahili. He noted that the second edition aims to further promote Kiswahili and instill East African Community values among the next generation. Dr. Tendo concluded by thanking H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support toward the pilgrimage initiative.