By Adonis Byemelwa
The
Tujenge Kagera Yetu (Tukye) Foundation held a vibrant and meaningful pre-launch
event in Kashasha Village, Kitobo Ward, Misenyi District on December 31, 2024,
marking the beginning of its official activities.
This
grassroots organization, dedicated to uplifting the Kagera Region, brought
together residents, former officials, and diaspora members who had long been
disconnected from their roots.
The
event was graced by notable figures, including Tanzania’s former Ambassador to
Germany, Ahmada Ngemera, now the Tukye board chair, former U.S. Ambassador to
Tanzania, Liberata Mulamula, and former Nkenge legislator Asumpter Mshama.
Their presence was a powerful reminder of the
importance of community engagement and the potential of collective action in
tackling Kagera’s socio-economic challenges.
Over
120 local residents gathered for the day's activities, which included
sanitation drives, community welfare initiatives, and fundraising efforts aimed
at supporting ongoing and future projects.
Volunteers
from various sectors participated in cleaning up the Kashasha Health Centre, a
facility that provides vital healthcare to around 120 patients each month, with
15 women receiving maternal care.
The
event served as a wake-up call to many Kagera diaspora members and those living
in major cities, urging them to invest in their communities.
Local
wards such as Bwanjai, Rizinga, and Kanyigo, Buyango also held discussions to
outline their development goals, expressing a strong commitment to fight the
persistent poverty that has plagued the region for years.
The
day's activities also included cultural celebrations, and football matches,
fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents.
The
Tukye Foundation’s emphasis on blending cultural preservation with development
goals was evident in the warm participation of the community, showcasing the
region’s potential for both growth and progress.
In
an inspiring statement, Kaijage Novatus, a seasoned community development
officer and Tukye chairman, emphasized that the event was not just about
celebration but a declaration of the community’s collective aspirations.
"This is about identity, unity, and reclaiming what’s rightfully
ours," said Novatus, highlighting Tukye’s dedication to bridging the gap
between the Kagera Region and its global diaspora.
The
day’s events were a testament to the growing recognition of the need for
collaboration in the face of Kagera’s challenges.
With
a renewed sense of purpose, the Tukye Foundation continues to lead the charge
in promoting sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of Kagera’s
people, while ensuring that every voice is heard and every effort counts.