NAIROBI – Opposition lynchpin Dr Kizza Besigye has been decorated with the prestigious Voice Achievers 2019 Award in recognition for his contribution to the development of Africa.
Dr Besigye was decorated on Saturday at a function in Nairobi, Kenya, in presence of wife Winnie Byanyima and son Anselm Kizza.
In a brief speech, Dr Besigye, who has stood for presidency four times and lost, said he was grateful that his efforts in championing democracy and freedom have not gone to waste. He vowed to continue the struggle.
The awards are given out as a reward not only to successful businesses but those which had a positive impact on their communities and the country or region they operate in respectively. We also want to encourage sustainable and inclusive growth.
“And we feel that the winners for this year like the previous years have certainly risen to the challenge and are fulfilling these objectives. We are going to honour true pioneers operating in and out of Africa and we hope they will act as a benchmark for others to follow suit,”the organizer Pastor Elvis Iruh said.
Dr Besigye was awarded along other distinguished awardees who include; Her Excellency, Mrs Isaura Nyusi, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch (rtd), Prof. PLO Lumumba, Arch Bishop Arthur Kitonga, Rev Mrs. Josephine Kitonga, Hon. Ababu-Terrah Namwamba, Rwanda Air, Bishop Dawn Willis.
Others include; Bishop William Tuimising, James Mureu, Dr. Swarup Ranjan Mishra, Rev. Ademola Afolabi, Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF), Hon Esther Passaris, Connie Aluoch, Obi Emelonye, Lydia Tett Olet, Kevin Mulei, Dr. Kennedy Waningu, Angel Wanjiru Ngugi, Ken Wakia, Kadogo Naus-Nyawade, Ahadi Trust Kenya
The rest are; Patriciah Mutheu Musyimi, Blue Cross Kisumu, Raphael Obonyo, Marc Broere, Rachel Akem-Harumi, Hajia Zainab Kessington Momoh, Ambassador Comrade Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), Namusoke Asia Mbajja, Eva Nakato, Robinah Babirye, Sarah Munyi and Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Vero Tangbowei Emmanuel (JP), Kevin Mulei and Reuben Kimani
The winners were awarded after vetting and screening of nominations for 2019. The awardees were chosen from a pool of well-qualified individuals, companies and organizations contributing to the advancement of Africa. Candidates were drawn from various countries in Africa and from around the world. On the final list are noblemen, women and young promising personalities who cherish a better future of Africa.
