The Tooro cultural group emerged last at the just concluded annual cultural gala of Uganda Christian University (UCU). The gala, where the Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro honored as the chief guest was organized by the guild government under the theme “Culture as a solution to family challenges”
A total of 15 cultural associations that included the Acholi, Bakonzo, Baganda, Lango, Kigezi, Ankole, Alur, Bamasaba, Karamojong, Itesots, Saamya, Lugbara, Sebei, Bafumbira, and the Batoro (in the order of their positions) were represented at the event that took place in Nkoyoyo Hall from 8am.
At the announcement of the results, the adjudicators read the list of the winners from the bottom starting with the position number 15 that was assumed by the Tooro group, and the Acholi emerged the winners.
The King was not however available when the results were announced at around 10 pm. He reached the venue with some of his ministers and attended the gala for about 6 hours and left at around 5:30 pm after holding a brief meeting with his Tooro cultural group. He also conducted a tree planting session at one of the compounds in the university.
The Vice Chancellor of UCU, Rev. Dr. John Ssenyonyi in his speech asked that the presence of the King at the university should show to everyone that UCU treasures culture. The King was given a Bible in the Tooro language and a university tie as a gift for honouring the invitation.
In his message, King Oyo urged the students to “stand proud in their uniqueness” and not to forget that everyone was different and should use that to glorify their identities and showcase talent. “Don’t forget that we are all different,” he said.
“Our various cultural identities should always be celebrated because it is who we are,” he added.
He thanked the students that participated in the cultural gala and showcased their talent. He also advised the students to beware of the deadly diseases cancer and HIV AIDs.
The cultural gala had four items including the traditional dance, dress code, drama and folk song presentation. Towards the end, merits and gifts were given to the outstanding script, best instrumentalist, dancers, actors, soloists, narrators, play, folk song, and Mr and Mrs culture.
The Acholi group scored 311 points to be crowned winners of the gala and 262 for the Batooro. The winning group could not hold their excitement and circulated the university with drums and chants of victory in Acholi.
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