Ms. Joanna Kasayuuni, the chairperson of Women Economic Forum Africa (WEFA), shared that Queen Ameenata Koita of the royal house of Fulbe in the Ashanti Region of Ghana is interested in forming partnerships with Ugandan kingdoms. Queen Koita hopes to connect Ugandan kingdoms with others in Africa and the African diaspora kingdom, Alliance Council of Queens and Kings.
The monarch is scheduled to attend the Trans Africa Investment Summit from November 9 to 11 in Entebbe, Wakiso District, an event organized by WEFA and Pilot International, where she will serve as a keynote speaker.
Ms. Kasayuuni noted, “She (Queen Koita) says she would be happy to meet officials from either Buganda or Toro kingdoms to welcome her. We have reached out to both kingdoms, but we have not received any response.”
On November 7, Queen Koita is planning to visit Divine Mercy Schools in Fort Portal. During her visit, she will pay a courtesy call to Divine Mercy Secondary School and address the students about the significance of education. The Queen has also joined forces with the school to raise funds for expanding its infrastructure.
Divine Mercy Schools functions as an orphanage that provides free education to over 1,400 students. The school is currently seeking funds for the construction of dormitories for both girls and boys, a clean water source, and campus security. They are also in need of financial support for scholarships. The school has received a challenge from donors to raise $32,000 (UGX 119.6 Million) locally, which will be matched with $64,000 (UGX 238.3 Million), and Queen Koita has agreed to assist them in raising these funds.
Dr. Christopher Mukidi, the director of Divine Mercy Schools, mentioned that the school was established in 2009 and presently accommodates more than 850 secondary school students. They have also recently added a nursery and primary section with over 600 students. Dr. Mukidi added that they have not received any support from Tooro Kingdom. He emphasized that the school’s primary goal is not profit, and they have been providing bursaries to support the education of underprivileged students who excel academically in the region.
Araali Mutegeki, the Tooro Kingdom information minister, when contacted, expressed his lack of awareness regarding Queen Koita’s visit. However, he mentioned that this might be due to his official duties and indicated that he would need to consult with kingdom administrators and the Queen Mother before providing further comments.
