The rhythms of home echoed through Kigali on January 31, as Mundari culture crossed borders and found new life in Rwanda.
In a colourful and emotional celebration, South Sudanese students gathered for the first Mundari Cultural Festival, turning the Rwandan capital into a living showcase of tradition, unity, and pride.
Organised by the Mundari Students’ Union in Rwanda, the festival also marked the official launch of the union, drawing thousands of South Sudanese students and guests.
For many in attendance, the event was more than a celebration it was a powerful reminder of home, identity, and belonging far from Terekeka.
Traditional dances, vibrant attire, indigenous language, and age-old customs dominated the celebration, as performers brought the spirit of the Mundari people to life.
The festival grounds pulsed with drumbeats and songs that told stories of heritage, resilience, and continuity, captivating both students and invited guests.
Speakers and youth leaders used the platform to call for unity, peace, and cultural preservation among South Sudanese living abroad.
Youth activist Bush Buse urged students to embrace education, leadership, and positive living, stressing that culture and progress must move hand in hand. He also pledged financial support to strengthen the newly formed union.
Elders added their voices and their support to the celebration.
William Reech, a respected community elder, donated 500,000 Rwandan Francs toward the union’s activities, a gesture warmly received by the crowd and seen as a symbol of intergenerational solidarity.
The festival drew participation from various South Sudanese communities in Rwanda, reinforcing a broader sense of national unity beyond ethnic lines.
Laughter, dance, and shared memories filled the air, transforming Kigali into a temporary home for South Sudanese culture.
As the night closed, one message stood clear: distance has not dimmed identity.
From Terekeka to Kigali, Mundari culture continues to thrive carried by young people determined to honour their roots while building a future abroad.
