At least Shs 200 million is expected to be raised during this year’s International Community of Banyakigezi (Icob) convention in Uganda slated for December 27 to 30 in Kabale.
The money is to be used to institute the Paulo Ngologoza scholarship fund for the girl-child at Kabale University. The scholarship fund is named after the former Icob secretary general who worked towards ensuring that Banyakigezi worldwide continued to support the Kigezi sub-region from which they hailed.
Over the years, besides networking and reemphasizing the value of language and culture, Icob has focused on development of technical education in the sub-region.
According to Dr Peter Ngategize, the president of the Icob Uganda chapter, an average of Shs 100m is collected annually towards computerisation of colleges and schools in the sub-region through the Kigezi Education Fund (KEF).
However, this year’s Ugandan event is specifically aimed at starting a girl-child fund to provide full tuition fees to at least 15 students. Dr Ngategize says such conventions help to strengthen culture, history and language in a bid to unite Banyakigezi to contribute to the socio-economic development of their homeland.
“We have, for instance, organised a youth enterprise and impact camp to change mindsets of youths to be able to meet the challenges of today,” said Ngategize of the free event – although registered members will pay Shs 50,000 for the annual general meeting.
Ngategize says such conventions not only leverage on government programmes, but also promote tourism. Kigezi is known for beautiful sceneries, fertile soils and natural resources. He encourages other Ugandans to embrace this initiative to bring social cohesion.
“At times we have different religions, tribes and political affiliations but you can leverage that together based on the geography,” said Ngategize.
In recent years, we have seen such initiatives as the Busoga tourism cluster initiative and the ekisaakaate by the Nnaabagereka (Queen) of Buganda kingdom taking root.
Ngategize says this can eventually lead into a national convention where different cultures can come together and showcase their different norms and values.
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