The International University of East Africa (IUEA) once again turned cultural learning into an immersive experience with the 2025 Cultural Gala, a vibrant event held on February 27, 2025. More than just a celebration, this was a unique opportunity to experience Africa’s rich traditions firsthand, directly from the people who live them. The Gala transformed the campus into a global festival of music, dance, food, and fashion, proving that cultural diversity is best celebrated through shared experiences.
With students from over 50 countries, IUEA has always been a melting pot of cultures, but this year’s gala took things to a whole new level. We even levelled up the number of countries from the 2024 Cultural Gala. Under the theme “Colours of the World,” the gala was a living classroom where students not only celebrated cultural diversity but also deepened their understanding of the cultures shaping our world. The slogan “A Day of Harmony and Heritage” captured the spirit of the event—where learning, connection, and tradition came together in a way that only IUEA can offer.
The IUEA 2025 Cultural Gala Kicks Off!
The energy was set from the start with a warm welcome from IUEA’s Minister of Culture under the Student’s Guild Office, Ahamed Mohammed (Somalia), alongside Guild President Yak Haile (South Sudan), whose leadership, together with IUEA’s Marketing Department and the Dean of Students Office, ensured a well-organised and inclusive event. Vice Chancellor Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa (Nigeria) officially launched the celebration, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.
The esteemed panel of judges, including:
- Joram Muzira (Founder of Joram Model Management)
- Queen Akidi Rachel (Miss Tourism Karamoja 24/25)
- Micheal Bazibu (renowned music and dance trainer)
brought expertise and excitement to the day’s competitions.
A Global Culinary Experience
One of the most anticipated highlights was the food showcase, where judges and attendees embarked on a culinary journey across continents:
- Tanzania dazzled with coconut-infused dishes, embodying the flavors of the coast.
- Nigeria delivered the ever-popular pepper soup and jollof rice, paired with fascinating insights into their preparation.
- Kenya lived up to its reputation as a top food destination with nyama choma, pili pili, and kachumbali.
- Comoros introduced Mayele, a meat dish cooked with just salt and water, alongside their locally made vanilla.
- Rwanda greeted judges with singing and drumming, adding rhythm to their culturally diverse culinary spread.
- Eritrea offered its legendary coffee ceremony, complete with fragrant incense.
- Chad served up rich, flavorful, savory sauces and irresistible meatballs.
- Sudan emphasised communal dining traditions, showcasing handwashing rituals before meals.
Cultural Exhibits: A Walk Through History
The exhibition booths transported attendees across cultures and time:
- Kenya showcased handcrafted animal-skin wallets and other traditional artifacts.
- Somalia welcomed guests with an energetic dance performance.
- South Sudan recreated an authentic village setting with students in full cultural attire.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) turned its booth into a royal palace, complete with a truth-seeking water ceremony.
- Liberia highlighted its history as the land of liberty, celebrating Africa’s first female president and showcasing a stunning courtship outfit.
Traditional Fashion: Timeless and Trendsetting
IUEA’s fashion segment was a runway of creativity and heritage:
- South Sudan stole the show with top-tier models and avant-garde fashion, proving that anything is stylish in the right hands.
- Sudan merged Arab-influenced designs with a thrilling stage entrance.
- Eritrea featured Miss Eritrea Uganda, Mikal Tesfay, in a stunning red dress adorned with images of powerful Eritrean women.
- Chad brought high-energy performances to the runway, showcasing culturally diverse tribal outfits.
Dance Performances That Brought the House Down
Then came the dance extravaganza—a highlight of the night that had the crowd roaring:
- Rwanda wowed the audience with their synchronized high-energy jumps.
- Comoros depicted an emotional post-war victory dance.
- Uganda displayed its cultural richness, from central Ugandan mawogola to a Karamoja backcloth dance.
- Somalia brought a six-person joyful dance performance.
- Liberia recreated a king’s grand procession with a palanquin performance.
- DRC turned the stage into a fire-lit, electrifying party.
Moments of Unity & Major Announcements
The event wasn’t about competition but solidarity and unity. Nigeria paused its presentation to show support for the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognising the current challenges the country is facing. It was a heartwarming moment that reminded everyone: At IUEA, we are more than classmates—we are family.
Exciting announcements added to the celebrations:
- Miss Tourism Uganda revealed that, for the first time ever, the Miss Tourism competition would crown both a King and Queen, with the theme “I Am My Culture.”
- School spirit soared as IUEA’s football team secured a victory against the University of Kisubi, sending cheers across campus!
Music, Stars & Electric Performances
No cultural gala is complete without star power! IUEA’s own rising stars took the stage alongside special guests:
- Ugandan music sensation Nina Roz stunned the crowd, performing in a traditional Buganda gomesi.
- South Sudanese artist Baling brought infectious energy, keeping the crowd on their feet.
Honouring the Best of the Best
While the IUEA Cultural Gala is about celebration rather than competition, we couldn’t resist recognising some of the night’s top highlights:
Best Cultural Dance
- First Place: Uganda
- Second Place: Tanzania
- Third Place: Congo
Best Traditional Attire
- First Place: Sudan
- Second Place: Congo
- Third Place: South Sudan
Most Engaging Cultural Exhibit
- First Place: South Sudan
- Second Place: Tanzania
- Third Place: Sudan
Best Cultural Cuisine
- First Place: Congo
- Second Place: Uganda
- Third Place: Somalia
Audience Favourite
- First Place: South Sudan
- Second Place: Sudan
- Third Place: Congo
Why IUEA? Because Learning Here is an Adventure!
The IUEA 2025 Cultural Gala was more than an event—it was a masterclass in experiential learning. At IUEA, education isn’t confined to classrooms—it’s brought to life through experiences like the Cultural Gala. By celebrating tradition through fashion, music, and storytelling, our students gain insights into cultures beyond their own, preparing them for global opportunities while learning alongside peers from over 50 nations.
At IUEA, cultural diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s an integral part of the learning journey. Whether you want to immerse yourself in African cultures, build lifelong global connections, or chase your academic dreams alongside people from the cultures that inspire you, IUEA is the place to do it. The 2025 Cultural Gala was a perfect reminder that education here is more than just academics—it’s an adventure in global discovery.
We don’t just talk about cultural diversity—we celebrate it with passion, creativity, and fun. If you’re looking for an institution that values cultural heritage, fosters global connections, and makes learning an adventure, then IUEA is the place for you.
