EAC Anthem adopted

Wednesday, 9th February, 2011
By Dora Byamukama THE East African Community (EAC) Anthem was adopted by the East African Community Summit on December 3, 2010. The next step is to grant it legal protection for its operation and usage. The adopted version was in Swahili, the lingua franca of the EAC. The following English translation is not the official translation; it is a literal one merely to enable you appreciate the meaning of the content: Chorus We should protect/guard our Community We should be committed and stand strong Our unity is our anchor Long live our community 1 Oh God we pray For preservation of the East African Community; Enable us to live in peace; May we fulfil our objectives; 2 Patriotism and togetherness Be the pillars of our unity May we guard our independence and peace Our culture and traditions 3 In industries and farms We should work together We should work hard We should build a better Community. Chorus Jumuiya Yetu sote tuilinde Tuwajibike tuimarike Umoja wetu ni nguzo yetu Idumu Jumuiya yetu. 1 Ee Mungu twakuomba ulinde Jumuiya Afrika Mashariki Tuwezeshe kuishi kwa amani Tutimize na malengo yetu. 2 Uzalendo pia mshikamano Viwe msingi wa Umoja wetu Natulinde Uhuru na Amani Mila zetu na desturi zetu. 3 Viwandani na hata mashambani Tufanye kazi sote kwa makini Tujitoe kwa hali na mali Tuijenge Jumuiya bora. The adoption of an EAC Anthem marks yet another distinct milestone in the integration process. The term “anthem” is currently used more often to denote a song in which words affirm a collective identity, usually expressing attachment to the same nation, institution or cause. http://newvision.co.ug/D/8/20/746218