KAMPALA, UGANDA –– The Pan-African Movement Uganda Chapter has paid a stirring tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, eulogizing the American civil rights giant not merely as a US leader, but as a “global moral compass” whose life’s work was intrinsically linked to the liberation and unity of the African continent.
In a powerful statement released yesterday, the organization honored Rev. Jackson, who passed away recently, for his unwavering solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide and his profound understanding that the fight for dignity in America was inseparable from the struggle for freedom in Africa.
“Rev. Jesse Jackson was not merely an American civil rights leader; he was a global moral compass,” read the tribute, signed by Dr. Capt. Fit Mukula, Chairman of the Pan-African Movement Uganda Chapter. “His life’s work carried forward the unfinished mission of the civil rights movement, transforming pain into purpose and struggle into hope.”
The statement highlighted Rev. Jackson’s role as a key link between the African diaspora and the continent, noting that his message resonated deeply with the Pan-African dream of liberation, development, and unity. It specifically commended his historic stance against the apartheid regime in South Africa and his relentless advocacy for peace and human rights across the globe.
“Through organizations such as the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson championed economic justice, voting rights, and opportunity for those pushed to the margins of society,” the tribute added. “He constantly reminded the world that the descendants of Africa and the people of Africa share a common destiny.”
The Ugandan chapter of the Pan-African Movement emphasized that Rev. Jackson’s legacy provides a vital lesson for Africa’s youth and its leaders: that true leadership is measured by service and sacrifice, not by power or wealth. They underscored the enduring power of his famous mantra, “Keep hope alive,” urging current and future generations to embody that spirit.
“His voice still calls upon us to continue the struggle for justice, to defend the dignity of every human being, and to strengthen the bonds between Africa and its diaspora,” the statement continued.
The eulogy concluded with an extension of “deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership,” celebrating a life dedicated to service. The organization called on all who admired him to honor his memory with action, working towards the “just, united, and liberated world he so passionately envisioned.”
The tribute, dated 7th March 2026, ended with the rallying cry “ALUTA CONTINUA!!!”—a Portuguese phrase meaning “The struggle continues,” popularized during the liberation struggles of Southern Africa and a testament to Rev. Jackson’s enduring connection to the continent’s fight for freedom.
