By Irene Best Nyapendi

Kondowole is a Malawian staple food. Made from cassava flour and water, the food is similar to the English posho and is normally eaten with fish. Because its preparation is labor-intensive, the food is not eaten often. It is eaten in Uganda but  not as frequently as the cassava bread. 

At a mid-June cultural gala held at Uganda Christian University (UCU), kondowole was among the cuisines that Malawi students exhibited.  While the Malawians exhibited the starch-rich kondowole, those from the Congo exhibited a product of the cassava leaves. Famously known as pondu in Congo, the leaves are prepared into sauce that can be eaten with food, such as rice.

Cassava leaves are rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. They are reported to contain fiber, which is a big determinant in the health of the colon.

Kondowole and pondu were among the many displays that surprised students and other exhibition-goers. They discovered that people may be from different geographical regions and cultures, but are to a great extent united, justifying the theme of the International Students Week (ISW) “Different Culture, One People.”

The ISW provided a unique platform for students to learn that the more they thought they were different, the more they discovered that they were similar. 

The week-long event, which took place from June 10 to 16, brought together students from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Liberia, Nigeria and many more.

On June 14, there was a gala, where different countries participated in activities like traditional dances. Renovat Nimbona, the First Counselor of Burundi in Uganda, who was the chief guest at the gala, said he was captivated by the event’s theme and dance performances.

“This day reminds me of our times at university, and my joy is when I see you all performing at the same place; my prayer is that this cultural gala day makes us one,” Nimbona said.

Daniel Mulengetsi, a year-four student from Congo pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, who is also the student leader in charge of international students at UCU, said the ISW is intended to unite international students and Ugandan nationals.

The ISW had a lineup of activities, including cleaning the UCU main campus, leading the community worship, participating in a movie night, and sharing a meal at UCU’s Janani Luwum dining hall.

The week concluded with a community outreach on Sunday, where students visited Bishop West Primary School in Mukono, and offered the learners career guidance and tips on how to thrive in school. 

During the ISW, Frank Zimba, a second-year student from Malawi pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, said he learned about various cultures, challenging his initial perceptions because he got the opportunity to interact with the different nationals first hand.  

Grace Tuza, a Rwandan national and a second-year student pursuing Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, said ISW created in her a sense of belonging and hospitality, making her feel loved, recognized, and valued as an international student.

Her highlights from the week included taking pictures with her country’s flag, enjoying the food exhibition, listening to music from her country, interacting with fellow international students, and participating in the cultural gala. 

“I was so happy that I got to perform our cultural dance and sang our national anthem,” Tuza said. “I felt so proud to represent my country and realized that it’s my obligation to appreciate and celebrate my heritage.”

Blessing Magene Mwenyemali, a Congolese national and a second-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, said he was impressed by the performance of the Nigerian students, noting that they showcased their rich cultural heritage.

Viola Favor Momo, from Liberia, said she was able to discover similarities between Congolese and Liberian cultures, such as shared food traditions.

“I found out that both the Congolese and Liberians eat cassava leaves and palm oil,” Momo said.