Rwanda ready to host JAMAFEST- Ministry of Sports

Preparations for the 1st edition of Jumuiya ya Africa Mashariki Utamaduni(JAMAFEST)  slated for February 11th  to 17th are finalized.

This was revealed in a Press Conference Monday by both Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Youth and East African Community.

2013 will mark as the year Rwanda hosted the first JAMAFEST  to be held under the theme, “Fostering East Africa Community Integration through Culture Industries which will attract all the 5 East African Countries,” Ministry of Sports PS Edward Kalisa said.   He also revealed that activities will include a carnival, art exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, live performances, fashion shows, plus a JAMAFEST village of Countries at which the EAC Partner States will showcase their different Cultures.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of East African Community, Ambassador William Kayonga called the public to take part in the planned activities and welcome over 500 participants from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania.

“Rwanda’s image will be enhanced  by the way we welcome our guests,”  Kayonga said.

Laurent Makuza , head of the cultural department at the ministry of sports and culture, revealed that apart from 5 East African Countries will participant at JAMAFEST,South Africa has shown interest to send participants to the festival.  “The South Africans showed us interest that they want to be part of the festival (JAMAFEST) and we accepted, Makuza said.

The Festival is planned to be held annually and it will be hosted by EAC Partner States on rotational basis.