Who said Banyoro, Bakiga are enemies?

Jan 10, 2005

Stanley Ntagari was born in Kitooma village in Rubaya subcounty, Ndorwa, Kabale district but migrated with his parents to Masindi in 1971. I have always followed his development with keen interest.

Yosam Baguma

Stanley Ntagari was born in Kitooma village in Rubaya subcounty, Ndorwa, Kabale district but migrated with his parents to Masindi in 1971. I have always followed his development with keen interest.

When the media broke the news of his election by the house of Bishops as Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese my family and I were filled with great joy only to be disappointed by the legal challenge by none other than the LC 5 chairman and the speaker.

I started imagining a situation of Bamwoze magnitude and then my mind rushed through Muhabura diocese and the fact that Rulemera, an elected LC5 could not take office because of sectarian considerations!

When the date for consecrating Ntagari was set, I registered my attendance. I also started mobilising other relatives and friends to form a delegation of at least eight people. But one member raised the issue of Banyoro attitude and the resentment that was like to ensue when the Banyoro saw such a Bakiga delegation.

Another member echoed the same sentiments and eventually, one by one they pulled out, apart from one couple from Mubende, my wife and I. My argument was sustained on the principles that it was not only a public function but a holy one as well.

Ntagari was a friend and relative who had attained a victory for which I had duty and privilege to go and congratulate him. The legal challenge and possibly his security under the circumstances necessitated that those who knew him should show physical solidarity so that each played an advisory role or provided security.

Supposing I hadn’t gone and Ntagari got into problems which may be my presence could have prevented, would I have reconciled with my conscience afterwards?

Instead my attendance would give me opportunity to gauge the strength of the opponent so that I would advise accordingly. We left Kampala on December 18 at 5.00 pm and had the opportunity of listening to every discussion related to Ntagari’s consecration. It was all positive!

While I expected tension, what we saw was a tranquil atmosphere, punctuated by music. The following morning, the great function started at 10.00 o’clock.

The well-attended ceremony portrayed enchanting love for Stanley Ntagari and the most exhilarating was that of the youth (Tukugonza Ntagari ayaizire mu 1971 tulinaiwe hati munyoro) we love you Ntagari who came in 1971. he is here with us and now is a munyoro. The northern Uganda delegation choir sang Okudi’s Wipolo Wolubanga, among other songs.

What was most exciting was the presence of the LC 5 chairman who publicly declaring that “Byogones are bygones.” This was followed by wild clapping, ululations, drumming and band music of all instruments.

Bishop Stanley Ntagari sprang up and hugged Majara. He was joined by Archbishop Orombi, Dr. Philip Byaruhanga Minister of State for Local Government, and Mr Muganwa Kajura third deputy prime minister who represented President Museveni.

Thunderous ululation. The prime minister of Bunyoro representing Omukama Solomon Iguru welcomed Ntagari in the kingdom emphasising that he had seen Stanley Ntagari through the years and had no doubt about his ability to provide spiritual leadership in the kingdom.

I must thank God for giving me courage to attend this function because my conscience is liberated. My conclusion is that the notion that Banyoro resent Bakiga is a minority elitist view certainly not that of the population at the grassroots.

The writer is former Kabale LC 5 chairman and former Deputy RDC, Mubende

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