It was a display of culture from Eastern Africa when Uganda and Burundi were welcomed to the London 2012 Olympic Games amidst fun and traditional display at the Games Village arena here in London.

Team Uganda at the ceremony at the Olympic village in London. PHOTO: Norman Katende

In a welcome ceremony that also had Nigeria,  the Ugandan delegation clad in their traditional tunics were joined by a number of residents from across London, who were invited to witness the playing of the national anthem and official raising of the Uganda flag in the Games Village.

The Village Mayor, Dame Tessa Jowell officially welcomed team Uganda, wishing them the greatest stay and telling them that by making it to the London 2012 Olympic Games, they were already winners.

“You are all winners. Have the best stay and make friends and interact,” said Tessa at the function that lasted one hour.

Tessa later invited Ugandan chef de mission Dennis Galabuzi to officially take to the podium as the Ugandan flag was being raised and the three stanzas of the national anthem being played.

Galabuzi later received a gift from Tessa who was also handed  a gift by Lydia Ssemakula, a Ugandan living in London.

By Norman Katende, The New Vision

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