Museveni commends Bunyoro on unity
Jun 12, 2016
He stated that Bunyoro Kitara kingdom has disapproved the people who argued that kingdoms would fuel tribal differences and deepen division during discussions on restoration of cultural institutions after his National Resistance Army captured power in 1986.
President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Omukama of Bunyoro, Solomon Iguru, and his subjects for promoting unity and harmonious coexistence with people belonging to other ethnic groups.
He stated that Bunyoro Kitara kingdom has disapproved the people who argued that kingdoms would fuel tribal differences and deepen division during discussions on restoration of cultural institutions after his National Resistance Army captured power in 1986.
"I really commend Bunyoro. You have handled the issue of kingship very well. You are calm and not arrogant," Museveni. The president was speaking during the 22nd coronation anniversary of Omukama Solomon Iguru at his Karuziika (palace) in Hoima on Saturday.
He, however, stressed the need for people from other ethnic communities to respect the culture of the Banyoro, with the indigenous people also respecting the cultures of persons belonging to other tribes for continuous harmonious coexistence.
President Yoweri Museveni (left) greeting the Omugo of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Margaret Karunga Adyeri (right) at the Empango anniversary as the Omukama of Bunyoro Rukirabasaija Solomon Gafabusa Iguru
"I congratulate the Omukama and people of Bunyoro on the 22nd coronation anniversary. I am a Musiita from here (Bunyoro). People come and leave me here. That is how we need to live together in peace," Museveni said.
He stated that Bunyoro, the former Kitara Empire has a rich history, with many Banyoro living in various parts of Uganda including DRC, Tanzania and others.
The function was attended by the speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, ministers, Kyabazinga of Busoga Wilberforce NadiopeGabula IV, the prime minister of Tooro, Bernard Tongwako, cultural leaders and delegations from Lango, Buganda and Buruli and others.
In a brief speech, Omukama Iguru commended his cabinet for steering the kingdom before appealing to his subjects to work hard and refrain from acts that could expose them to contraction of HVI/AIDS. He stated that his subjects will rally behind all Government programs geared towards alleviating poverty.
He commended Government for the development projects undertaken in Bunyoro including construction of roads, but called on the president to allocate more seats in his Government to people from the kingdom.
Prime Minister, Norman Lukumu said they asked Museveni during an earlier closed door meeting with him in the palace main house to allocate funds to Bunyoro University and support the kingdom's developmental projects.
The University is currently under Gulu University. He dismissed rumours that Banyoro and people from other ethnic groups in Bunyoro currently have an acrimonious relationship.
"If that was not the case, we would not be having delegations from Tanzania, DRC and other parts here today. The only people we have problems with are those who want to undermine Omukama and the kingdom," Lukumu stated.
He called for the return of the kingdom's assets, including forests which he said have been destroyed by National Forestry Authority which is supposed to protect them. Delegations from Tanzania, Busoga, other cultural institutions and companies donated gifts to Iguru