King Oyo hosts traditional leaders

Oct 29, 2009

The King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, on Wednesday hosted the forum of kings, sultans, princes, sheikhs, traditional and tribal leaders of Africa to a dinner at his palace in Munyonyo.

By Eddie Ssejjoba

The King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, on Wednesday hosted the forum of kings, sultans, princes, sheikhs, traditional and tribal leaders of Africa to a dinner at his palace in Munyonyo.

He asked the leaders to work with President Yoweri Museveni for unity and development.

The delegation that arrived in Uganda on Wednesday for a four-day visit was led by its general secretary, Tchiffi Zie Jean Gervais, the King of Grou Kingdom of Ivory Coast.

The delegation included a team from Libya led by Alhajin Saleh Abdussalam.

The team comprised 17 leaders plus their entourage under the patronage of Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gadaffi.

Gadaffi, who was crowned ‘King of Kings’ in August last year by the forum, was escorted to the function by the Presidential Guard Brigade.

Present were the King of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa, Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, princes Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu and David Wasajja, the Prince of Ankole, John Barigye, Jovia Saleh and members of the royal clan of Toro.

“I wish to remember President Yoweri Museveni who restored and supports cultural institutions. I appeal to you to work with him for our unity and development,” Oyo said.

He applauded Gadaffi for funding and supporting the forum.

The Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, denied claims that the forum was interfering in politics. “We, as traditional leaders, need to be together. We are not involved in politics.”

In August last year, the Government stopped a similar meeting, saying it contradicted the Constitution.

Kemigisa said though the cultural institutions would continue asking for their property, they would do it in a humble manner.

Kemigisa thanked Gadaffi for rehabilitating the Toro palace.

She also recognised the presence of the Nabagreka and said Tooro would always stand with Buganda.

What affects Buganda affects Toro as well, Kemigisa added.

Jean, who described Kemigisa as an ‘Iron lady’, thanked Museveni for allowing the forum to visit Uganda.

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