DODOMA, Tanzania – Dr. Ronex Tendo Kisembo, Chief Executive Officer of Afrika Mashariki Fest, has held a high-level meeting with senior Tanzanian government officials in Dodoma to finalize preparations for the 3rd Edition of the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, scheduled for 1st–20th October 2026.
Yesterday,Dr. Kisembo, accompanied by Prof. Aldin Kai Mutembei, Director of the Institute of Kiswahili Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, met with Madam Mwanamridu J. Amiry – the Director of Political, Defence and Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania – in her office.
The delegation briefed the Director on the progress of preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage, which is set to attract hundreds of participants from across the East African region and beyond. They also held extensive discussions on areas of partnership and collaboration to ensure a memorable and impactful experience for all pilgrims.
"We are grateful to Madam Amiry for the audience and the insightful deliberations," Dr. Kisembo said. "The commitment from the Tanzanian government is a testament to the importance of preserving the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and the founding fathers of the East African Community."
Dr. Kisembo also extended special appreciation to Hon. Amb. Thabiti Kombo, the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, for his readiness to journey with Afrika Mashariki Fest in their mission.
"We are deeply honoured by Hon. Minister Kombo's expressed readiness to partner with us in paying tribute to Mwalimu Nyerere and his erstwhile colleagues who formed the EAC in 1967," Dr. Kisembo added. "This is a historic moment for East African unity, and we are committed to making this pilgrimage a truly unforgettable experience."
The Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari is an annual event organized by Afrika Mashariki Fest to honor the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's founding father and one of Africa's most revered statesmen. Butiama, located in the Mara Region of Tanzania, is Nyerere's birthplace and final resting place, making it a sacred site for Pan-Africanists and East African integration enthusiasts.
This year's 3rd Edition, running from 1st to 20th October 2026, promises to be the largest yet, with a packed program that includes cultural exchanges, historical tours, academic symposiums, and community engagements aimed at fostering deeper regional integration.
The pilgrimage is expected to draw participants from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as international guests celebrating the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere and the vision of a united East Africa.
Afrika Mashariki Fest continues to position itself as a leading platform for promoting East African identity, culture, and integration through events that celebrate the region's shared heritage and aspirations.
