ners were Bob Mushikori, Edward Wanda, Florence
Wakoko-Studstill, John Studstill, Alice Mudonyi, John
Maberi Mudonyi and students and members of the
local organizing committee.
Banner at the Procession
NAMCA offered a non political forum and in partnership with other local partners, will provide a
most needed vehicle to development regardless of
the political, economic and social divide. The challenge however is the sustenance of these relationships, which must be built on effective programs of
action. A well developed and renewed vision that
informs Bamasaba national interests is a must.
Post Procession - Exhausted, Sweaty but Happy
The procession was also joined by the local community in the streets. The sweating and heat did not
deter our spirits. On reaching the Protea Hotel, in the
gardens were three tents and seated already were the
conference participants. It was very uplifting to see
our elders, leaders and invited guests. The brass band
continued entertaining the gathering, and thereafter,
following the National Anthem and prayers, conference business did begin. Several introductions revealed the participation of members of Inzu Ye Bamasaba who came from as far as Kenya, Professionals in
Education and academia, Bamasaba students from
Universities across Uganda and religious leaders.
The conference was preceded by a brass band marching procession. This I must report was a very emotional, moving and gave us the most needed landing
with a bang in Mbale town. It drew and raised attention and questions. We marched from the cricket
grounds through Naboa road to the clock tower and
up onto Republic Street to Senior quarters and Protea Hotel. I believe, the questions were answered
following the conference as to who we were and the
purpose of the conference.
Our Procession Band
I arrived in Uganda on December 13th 2012 at
10.30pm with several assignments for the conference.
I moved to Mbale on the 20th 2012 and joined Bob and
the team on the ground. I must commend the President of
NAMCA for the ground organization. In place was a functioning secretariat and good mobilization of a range of
participants. They included students, youth, women and
men of all ages. There was a good coordination which led
to the good flow of all the events and activities.
Dr. Stephen Mungoma; Setting the Tone of the Conference
The tone of the conference was set by one of our
own and resident in Uganda Dr. Rev Stephen Mungoma. He eloquently spoke on education, emphasizing
the need for transformation from learning, memorizing and reproducing, to applied knowledge.
Emerging from the band procession, we were all
dripping of sweat from the exhausting heat and sun.
Marching through the streets of Mbale was inspiring, emotional and I observed some shedding tears
including the author. It was a pleasant experience
for all, and from the Diaspora and carrying the ban-
It reminded of my experience in the US when asked
what I can do when I said I was an Economist. The
question was what applied skill set do you possess:
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