Reconnection Journey to Uganda in 2024 Celebrates African Heritage and Tourism

This 15-day cultural and heritage tour brought more than 40 royal delegates from across the world to Uganda, marking a significant step in strengthening global ties with Africa through tourism and cultural exploration.

In a monumental effort to bridge the gap between Africa and its global diaspora, the Ateker International Development Organization (AIDO), in collaboration with the Global African Diaspora Kingdom (GADK) and Beyond the Sky Tours and Travel Bureau, launched its third Reconnection Journey to Africa.

This 15-day cultural and heritage tour brought more than 40 royal delegates from across the world to Uganda, marking a significant step in strengthening global ties with Africa through tourism and cultural exploration.

On October 20, the delegation arrived in Uganda, kicking off a transformative journey across the country that aimed to not only celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage but also position the country as a premier travel destination.

The trip, which spanned various historical and cultural sites, also had a strong focus on economic and tourism development.

Ambassador Doreen Birungi, managing director of Beyond the Sky Tours and Travel Bureau, highlighted the importance of the event.

“AIDO’s coming to Uganda is a good indicator that we are on the right track to recovery as an industry. We are proud as a company to be entrusted with the obligation to arrange their tours, secure logistical services, confirm flight tickets, secure VIP clearance and reception, and offer visa support.”

She emphasized the broader impact of the event, noting that the Reconnection Journey would significantly boost the domestic economy and elevate Uganda’s profile on the global tourism map.

The journey kicked off with a press conference dinner attended by a diverse group of international dignitaries from countries such as the USA, Guyana, Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Barbados, and Kenya.

Paul Jones Eganda, president of AIDO, highlighted the deeper significance of the journey, saying, “The Reconnection Journey is a bridge for Africans in the diaspora to rediscover their heritage and establish meaningful bonds with the continent.”

The itinerary was rich in cultural immersion and tourism activities. One key event was the **second coronation anniversary of HRH Paul Sande Emolot as Emorimor III, King of the Iteso people, in Katakwi.

The celebration included traditional music, dance, and local cuisine, reinforcing the theme of unity and cultural pride.

Another highlight was the inauguration of the Supreme Council of the Global African Diaspora Kingdom, where six diaspora royals were officially coronated, including two kings and four queens.

Queen Acom II, President of GADK, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “This experience has opened doors for deeper connections between Africa and the diaspora. It reminds us that our roots and identities are intertwined, no matter where we are in the world.”

The tour also took the delegation to some of Uganda’s most iconic landmarks, including the Nyero Rock paintings in Soroti, a game drive in Kidepo National Park, and a boat cruise at the Source of the Nile in Jinja.

Delegates also visited Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, with stops at the Buganda Parliament (Bulange Mengo) and Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

For many of the delegates, it was their first time visiting Africa.

Queen Cynthia Puna Khumalo Mzilikazi III of South Africa shared her profound experience: “It has been a life-changing experience to witness the beauty, warmth, and resilience of Uganda’s people and heritage. This journey is something I will carry in my heart.”

The Reconnection Journey concluded on November 2, with a farewell dinner in Entebbe, where delegates shared their reflections on the trip and expressed their appreciation for Uganda’s hospitality.

Many pledged to return to Uganda to continue exploring its natural beauty and further strengthen relationships between the diaspora and the continent.

Amb. Birungi summed up the significance of the journey, saying, “This is only the beginning of our efforts to showcase Uganda and rekindle the African spirit within our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.”

The Reconnection Journey stands as a testament to the unifying power of cultural tourism, creating lasting bonds across continents and celebrating the shared heritage of the African diaspora.