The celebrated Hollywood star, Forest Steven Whitaker is currently in Uganda for a private visit. The 61-year-old actor also doubles as an Artist and a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Special Envoy for Peace & Reconciliation.
The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities through their twitter handle said that, Whitaker is currently in Moroto District to monitor some programs on peace and development initiatives, and is expected to be in Uganda for some days.
“Hollywood Multi-award winning actor & Director Forest Whitaker enjoys Uganda’s fresh breeze, ambiance & cultural experience in Moroto District. The great actor is in the Country to monitor a number of programs under the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiatives. Welcome home,” the ministry twitted.
Whitaker acted in the last King of Scotland movie where he depicted the personality of former president Idi Amin Dada, a role that won him many international accolades.
Whitaker has been in Uganda on many occasions to support his humanitarian work with Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), an initiative that is supporting youth projects in Northern Uganda.
Whitaker revealed that, over the past decade, he has spent much of his time dedicated to humanitarian work. These pursuits were partially motivated by a core lesson his mother taught him.
“You don’t have to believe what I believe, but you have to believe in something,” he said.
He founded the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-governmental organization, in 2012.
WPDI aims at implementing peace-building programs in conflict affected communities throughout the world, which are focused on training youths in conflict resolution and developing businesses in the affected areas.
WPDI’s programs are currently operating throughout Africa, Mexico, and the United States.
Whitaker was inducted as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation, in a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters on June 21, 2011.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Whitaker worked with UNESCO to support and develop initiatives that empower youths and keep them from entering or remaining in cycles of violence.
While here, Whitaker will visit many parts of the country as he enjoys the beautiful Flora and Fauna that Uganda is very much blessed with.
