By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus -The Pan African Women Organisation (PAWO) launched a chapter at KIU main Campus on Monday 4th April 2022, in a bid to promote the spirit of Pan Africanism from the grassroots. The event that took place at the Iddi Basajjabalaba Memorial Library (IBML) was attended by several dignitaries from the central government, university administrators and students.

The secretary-general of Pan African women’s Organisation Mrs Grace Kabayo, who was the chief guest urged students to embrace the organisation and appreciate the fact that they are African. She said that Africa needs togetherness now more than ever.

‘’I want to urge everyone here not to miss this chance, a chance to express pride in our continent, a chance to rediscover who we are. You got to believe in yourselves young people because being black is simply a blessing from God,’’ she said.

‘’Let us inform others about pan Africanism, let us rediscover our true selves. As young leaders, take time to study and understand Pan Africanism,’’ she added.

The Deputy Vice-chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr.Sophie Kazibwe led a delegation of the University administration that included; Chief University Librarian, Dr. Prisca Tibenderana, Director Academic Affairs, Dr. Julius Masiko, Campus administrator Mrs. Elizabeth Kyamanywa among others.

In her speech, Dr.Sophie Kazibwe thanked PAWO for believing in young people especially, the KIU community. She reminded the organisers that KIU highly embraces unity in diversity more than anything else.

‘’Dear colleagues, we thank you for believing in the power of young men and women. KIU has a very diverse team of people but there is one thing we have in common; advocating for unity in diversity because we have a lot in common as Africans and we have to work towards supporting each other grow,’’ she remarked.

According to Bosco Tumuramye who is also the founding president of PAWO, KIU chapter, the main idea behind launching the organisation at KIU is to orient African students with the Pan African ideology, promote African Unity as well as mentor young leaders for a better Africa.
Tumuramye encouraged all students to join PAWO saying, ‘’It will help us understand the origin of our own continent as elites before leaving the University.’’

The other members who represented POWA include; the Deputy Commissioner Ministry of ICT and National JJ. Bakalikwira, National Coordinator Emyooga program under the office of the President Mrs. Namuwenge Ritah, Secretary-General PAWO Mrs. Kabayo Grace, Head of Communications PAWO MR.Allan Kunya Yesero, among others.

KIU Main Campus is the second University in Uganda to launch this organisation after Kyambogo University.