Acholi Chiefdom, Bunyoro Kingdom receive Africa Monologue Challenge delegation for pan-African cultural exchange

The royal Acholi Chiefdom in Gulu and the Royal Bunyoro Kingdom both in Uganda welcomed a distinguished delegation representing the Africa Monologue Challenge (AMC) from Ghana and nine other African countries.

The visit, which took place on August 17 and 18, 2024, marked a significant step toward bridging cultural gaps and promoting unity across the African continent.

The courtesy call by the AMC delegation was part of the grand plan to connect African cultures and highlight shared histories and traditions.

The finalists of the Africa Monologue Challenge, hailing from Uganda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Cameroon, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, were led by Rev. George Okeng, a representative of the Uganda National Cultural Center and AMC Season 1 winner Rachael Nduhukire.

Upon arrival in Gulu, the delegation was warmly received with a royal dance procession by the Royal Cultural Troupe of Achole. The troupe led the entourage to the royal palace of the Achole Chiefdom, where they were later received by the paramount chief of Achole Rwot, David Onen Acana 11, and his elders.

Rev. George Okeng, in his introductory address, emphasized the need for traditional institutions and governments to fully support the vision of the AMC to help promote African cultures and pan-Africanism.

“The chicken you see roaming around was once an egg; therefore, it’s imperative that traditional institutions support these young cultural ambassadors to promote African cultures to a global audience. These people are not tourists; they are the young people of Africa who are here to learn and promote the cultures of Uganda in their respective countries.”

Two of the AMC organizers, Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin and Peter Ritchie, who were part of the entourage, emphasized the importance of promoting a unified and prosperous Africa. The AMC, they explained, is an initiative designed to achieve this goal.

His Royal Highness, Rwot David Onen Acana 11, the paramount chief of Achole Chiefdom, expressed his joy in the AMC initiative, emphasizing its role in bringing talented Africans together to appreciate and share authentic African stories.

The entourage explored the rich history and culture of the Achole Chiefdom, identifying striking similarities between Achole traditions and their own.

Following their interaction at the palace, the delegation visited Fort Patico, a historic slave site.

There, they engaged with another cultural troupe that ushered them into the fort and delved into the fort's devastating history. Some of the finalists expressed sadness over the ordeal their ancestors went through during the period of slavery at the fort.

The journey continued to Hoima, where the Pan-African team spent the night at Kabalega resorts. The team met with representatives from the Bunyoro Kingdom on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Tour guides led the team to the Parliament house and palace of the Bunyoro Kingdom, as well as the burial grounds of Kabalega and his son.

Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Executive Director of the African Chamber of Content Producers and one of the organizers of the African Monologue Challenge, expressed his joy in identifying cultural similarities between the exploits of the Kabalega and other kings from Ghana and parts of Africa.

“Looking at similarities in totems, clan systems, and even the resistance from the Kabalega and Mwanga, two kings who fought side by side against the British Colonialists for eight years until they were finally captured and sent into exile at the Seychelles Island, reminds me of the same resistance from Asante, Ewe, Ga, and other kings in Ghana who fought against the British and were also sent to the Seychelles island. This is an indication that our ancestors had similar cultures and fought similar battles”, he stated.

The group also experienced the region's natural wonders, including Kibiro hot springs and salt mines, which have existed for more than a thousand years.

The group noted that throughout their journey, the delegation identified striking similarities in the traditions, histories, and cultural practices of the Acholi, Bunyoro, and their respective home countries.

These shared bonds deepened their appreciation for the rich diversity of African heritage.

Peter Ritchie, a celebrated Ghanaian actor and one of the organizers of the Africa Monologue Challenge, emphasized the crucial role of African actors in shaping a positive image of the continent.

"As a Pan-African actor, I am thrilled to be part of this visit and the AMC initiative empowering African creatives to appreciate their diverse cultures, understand their beauty, and promote the positive aspects of our heritage in our content," he stated.

In an interview with Mawuko Kuadzi, CEO of MK Casting and an AMC organizer, satisfaction with the visit's outcome was evident.

The AMC, he emphasized, should serve as a platform for Africa's development.

Rev. George Okeng expressed joy at the opportunity for Ugandans to share their stories on a pan-African stage. The government, led by the Office of the President, has pledged its support for such impactful initiatives.

The team is embarking on other courtesy calls to meet other kingdoms in Uganda before the grand finale of the Africa Monologue Challenge takes place at the Kololo Airstrip, Kampala, Uganda, on August 27, 2024.

The Africa Monologue Challenge continues to serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange and collaboration, demonstrating the power of storytelling to bridge divides and inspire a shared African identity.