On 13th September 2024, ARU students, under the guidance of traditional wisdom specialists successfully exhibited indigenous foods from various regions of Uganda at the Centre for Reflection on ARU Campus.

This exhibition was conducted in light of a two-week engagement (with Professors Without Borders for the 2024 program, “Empowering Change-Makers; Holistic Learning and Leadership for Sustainable Development!” that ended today

The program included an exceptional team of volunteers; Cindy Yee Au, Dr. Naveen Hyder, Karen Panzarella, PT, PhD, CHSE, and Nicole Zulu together with Milly Desire Muhindo from ARU

The students exhibited a range of traditional foodstuffs, from the dishes they cooked to the traditional kitchenware, such as calabashes, used in preparing these foods. The community, along with Professors Without Borders, visited the various cooking areas to learn about the detailed processes and the cultural value of the foodstuffs unique to each tradition.

This exercise is part of ARU’s unique curriculum, which integrates traditional wisdom specialists into teaching, learning, and community engagement to preserve traditional knowledge while sharing the distinctive perspectives of African culture and indigenous wisdom.

According to traditional wisdom specialist George William Byaruhanga, traditional foods are highly nutritious, have no side effects, and are recommended because they are organic.

The Chief guest, Mr. Tibesingwa Alozio the representative of Bunyoro Kingdom in Kagadi District thanked ARU and its founding organization, URDT for promoting African reissuance and reemphasized the importance of eating organic foods.

Mr. Tibesingwa Alozio the representative of Bunyoro Kingdom in Kagadi District enjoying local delicacy.

The Director of Training and Education at URDT-Mr Robert Katabazi in his remarks noted   that ARU Vice Chancellor-Dr Mwalimu Musheshe Ashoka Fellow appreciates the work of Professors without Borders at the URDT Schools Continuum

He also thanked  the Professors Without Borders for their tireless engagement with ARU and URDT, adding that the knowledge gained will be implemented. “On behalf of the teachers at URDT and ARU, we have learned a lot, and we shall  implement what we’ve learned,” he affirmed .

Mr Robert Katabazi checking the local delicacies

The day was crowned with a breathtaking display of dance from students dressed in the traditional attires of various cultures, including the Bunyoro region, Bakiga-Banyankole, Baganda, and Luo communities. The dancers moved with grace and precision, their bodies flowing in harmony with the deep, rhythmic beats of traditional music. Each step and sway told a story of ancestral heritage, with intricate footwork and sweeping arm movements evoking the onlookers to join them on stage. After, Certificates were awarded to the participants who completed the two-week training