KAMPALA – EALA aspirant Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo this afternoon paid a courtesy call to Mama Miria Kalule Obote – the First Lady Emeritus of Uganda and one of the esteemed Founding Mothers of the East African Community (EAC) – at her Kololo residence in Kampala.
Dr. Tendo was accompanied by Comrade Amanya Moses, the Deputy Head of Protocol for the Afrika Mashariki Fest, in a visit that he described as a deeply personal and symbolic act of seeking guidance from a living legend of regional integration.
The two guests were warmly received by Mama Miria, now in her golden years, who shared reflections on the early days of the EAC, the sacrifices made by founding leaders, and the importance of Pan-African vision in shaping East Africa’s future.
Speaking shortly after the closed-door meeting, Dr. Tendo explained the significance of the visit.
“Seeking wisdom at the feet of elders is a beautiful tradition of humility and intergenerational connection. It signifies surrendering one's ego and acknowledging that true knowledge comes from lived experience,” he said. “Mama Miria has witnessed history and helped build it. To sit with her is to attend a living classroom.”
The EALA aspirant, who is positioning himself as a youth candidate deeply rooted in respect for elders and regional unity, said Mama Miria encouraged him to remain principled, patient, and people-centred if he succeeds in joining the East African Legislative Assembly.
Comrade Amanya Moses, who assisted in coordinating the visit, noted that Mama Miria was visibly moved by the humility of the young leaders. “She blessed Dr. Tendo wholeheartedly and prayed for his aspirations,” Amanya said.
The meeting lasted just over an hour, with Mama Miria offering tea and sharing anecdotes of her late husband, former President Milton Obote, and his contributions to the early EAC framework. She also emphasised the need for young East Africans to carry forward the dream of seamless regional cooperation.
Dr. Tendo concluded by reiterating his campaign message: that the EAC must integrate not just economies but also the wisdom of its founding generations.
“Mama Miria is a treasure. Today, I came as a student,” he said. “If elected to EALA, I will ensure that the voices of our elder statesmen and women are never forgotten in our laws and policies.”
The visit has since attracted attention on social media with many commentators praising the gesture as a rare act of political humility.
Mama Miria Kalule Obote, widow of Uganda’s second President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, remains a respected matriarch and one of the last living direct witnesses to the birth of the original East African Community in 1967.
