By Gertrude Ainemababazi
The Lango students have won the annual Cultural Gala competition at Uganda Christian University (UCU), with a total of 404 points. The annual celebration, which promotes UCU’s rich cultural diversity, attracted students from many tribes and areas of Uganda.
Dominic Opio, the president of the Lango Students Association, expressed immense pride in his group’s success. “Our unity is our strength,” he said, referring to the Lango’s motto “Nateteho,” which means “our unity is our strength.” He attributed their victory to the collective efforts of all Lango students, who came together despite busy academic schedules. Opio emphasized the challenges they faced, noting that many students had tests and lectures during the preparation period, but their dedication paid off.
The competition had four groups: Teso, Acholi, Kubazabongo, and Lango. Each group took part in a range of cultural performances, including traditional dances, displays, and crafts. Despite stiff competition, the Lango students triumphed in two important categories: traditional dance and cultural exhibition. This victory cemented their lead in the overall rankings.
The adjudicator, Ijiribi David from West Nile and a lecturer at Kyambogo University, confirmed the final rankings. The Teso group finished in fourth place with 375 points, followed by the Acholi in third with 381 points. The Kubazabongo secured second place with 386 points, excelling particularly in the Cultural Crafts category.
The Cultural Gala at UCU is an annual highlight, bringing students together to showcase and celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. It promotes unity and appreciation of diversity within the university community, allowing students to learn from and enjoy each other’s traditions.
For the Lango group, this year’s victory marks a significant achievement, underscoring the power of teamwork and cultural pride.
