KAMPALA — Pan-Africanists, business leaders, activists and other prominent figures gathered at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Saturday for the ninth Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards and 12th Anniversary Dinner.
The event brought together participants from Uganda, other African countries and the diaspora to recognise individuals and organisations for their contributions to humanitarian work, African development, leadership, entrepreneurship and the promotion of Pan-African ideals.
Among the notable guests was businessman and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, who attended the event as Guest of Honour.
The ceremony, held on August 29, featured speeches, discussions on Africa’s development and sovereignty, entertainment and an awards presentation recognising this year’s recipients.
Rajiv Ruparelia recognised
Businessman Rajiv Ruparelia was among the award recipients, receiving a Humanitarian Award in recognition of his contribution to humanitarian causes.
Hon. Helen Nakimuli Walusimbi also received a Humanitarian Award, while South African anti-apartheid activist Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala was honoured as a Freedom Fighter for her contribution to the struggle against apartheid.
Other recipients included Dr Frank Mugyenyi, who was recognised for leadership in African mineral sovereignty and governance.
Ghanaian entrepreneur Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang received an award for African youth social and development entrepreneurship, while Jamaican Pan-Africanist Blossom Thomas was recognised for African Renaissance leadership in the diaspora.
Ugandan industrialist Victoria Sugar received the African Development Entrepreneur Award.
MTN Uganda was presented with the Lifetime Achiever Award, while Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka received the African Renaissance Award.
Pan-African issues take centre stage
The awards ceremony was preceded by discussions on issues affecting Africa, including development, sovereignty, refugees and what some speakers described as new forms of colonialism.
Bishop Joshua Maponga of Zimbabwe delivered the keynote address, focusing on questions surrounding Africa’s development and the continent’s pursuit of greater economic and political independence.
The event also featured contributions from South African anti-apartheid activist Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala, Ghanaian entrepreneur Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang, Jamaican Pan-Africanist Blossom Thomas and US-based activist Ayo Kimathi.
Speakers examined the importance of strengthening African agency and promoting ideas that support the continent’s development and self-determination.
Business and social leaders attend
The gathering attracted business executives, entrepreneurs, political and social figures and members of the Pan-African movement.
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia’s participation as Guest of Honour added a prominent private-sector presence to an event largely focused on African development, humanitarian work and Pan-African values.
The organisers used the occasion to recognise people whose work they said had contributed to communities and broader African development.
The awards were followed by a dinner and entertainment, marking the conclusion of the anniversary celebrations.
The PAP Global Awards are held as part of the organisation’s efforts to recognise individuals and institutions involved in advancing humanitarian, social, economic and Pan-African causes.