‘New Colonialism’ Threat: Pan-Africanist Ayo Kimathi Arrives In Uganda Ahead Of PAP Global Awards

By Frank Kamuntu 

American-based Pan-Africanist Ayo Kimathi has arrived in Uganda ahead of the ninth Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards, where he is expected to deliver a message on what he describes as a new form of colonialism affecting Africans.

Mr Kimathi arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday and was received by a delegation from the Pan-African Pyramid led by its founding Speaker and chairman, Mr Andrew Irumba Katusabe.

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Mr Kimathi called on Africans to attend the PAP Global Awards scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, saying he had come to Uganda with a special message that he wants Africans to hear and discuss.

The Pan-Africanist said Africa must remain alert to emerging forms of external influence that, in his view, threaten the continent’s sovereignty, resources and ability to determine its own future.

Mr Kimathi said his message would focus on what he termed the “new colonialism” being initiated against Africans, urging people across the continent to turn up for the awards and participate in the conversations surrounding Africa’s future.

His arrival marks the beginning of the landing of international guests expected to attend this year’s awards, which bring together Pan-Africanists, political leaders, business personalities, academics, civil society actors and other guests from Uganda and beyond.

Mr Irumba welcomed Mr Kimathi to Uganda and said more international delegates were expected to arrive in the hours leading up to the awards ceremony.

He said preparations for the event were in their final stages, with organisers expecting a steady arrival of guests from different parts of Africa and the African diaspora ahead of the main ceremony.

“The international guests are continuing to arrive, and more are expected to land in the coming hours as we prepare for the main event on Saturday,” Mr Irumba said.

The ninth PAP Global Awards are organised by the Pan-African Pyramid, an organisation that promotes Pan-Africanism, patriotism, nationalism and intellectual engagement on issues affecting Africa.

The annual awards recognise individuals and institutions whose work is considered to have made significant contributions to Africa’s development, unity and transformation.

This year’s ceremony will also honour the late Rajiv Ruparelia posthumously with a Humanitarian Award, recognising his contribution to humanitarian work, social development and community transformation.

Rajiv’s recognition is expected to be one of the major highlights of the ceremony, as the awards seek to celebrate individuals whose work and legacy have had an impact beyond their immediate communities.

The August 29 event at Speke Resort Munyonyo is expected to bring together a diverse gathering of African and international personalities, with organisers saying the participation of Pan-Africanists such as Mr Kimathi will add an important global dimension to the discussions.

Mr Kimathi’s arrival has therefore set the tone for what organisers hope will be more than an awards ceremony, but also a platform for reflection on Africa’s sovereignty, self-determination, economic independence and place in the changing global order.

With more international guests expected to land ahead of Saturday’s event, attention will now turn to the messages they bring to Kampala and the conversations the PAP Global Awards will generate around the continent’s future.