Preparations for Omukama Iguru's 24th coronation anniversary on

PIC: Bunyoro king Solomon Gafabusa Iguru with Queen Mother Margret Karunga Adyeeri during the 23 corronation anniversary. (Credit: Robert Atuhairwe)

ANNIVERSARY | BUNYORO 

HOIMA - Preparations to mark Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru's 24th Empango (coronation) anniversary have started.

Empango is the first ritual the Omukama (King) performs as he is crowned. Iguru the 27th king under the Ababiito clan first performed the ritual on June 11, 1994, following the restoration of kingdoms by the NRM government.

Since then, it (empango) has been marked annually in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.

Bunyoro is comprised of the districts of Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Buliisa and Kiryandongo.

Kingdom officials said they have drawn a sh513m budget to spend during the function that will be held at the Karuziika palace in Hoima town on June 11.

The kingdom prime minister, Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga on Monday said they have formed a 30-member steering committee to co-ordinate the activities.

The committee, which he is chairing, is tasked with collecting pledges and mobilising for support from the other districts and well-wishers.

The kingdom expects to raise the money for the function through corporate companies, business personalities, central governments and friends both local and international levels.

Byakutaga said they have started preparations early to avoid last-minute rush.

He said they have organised pre-empango activities, including a free health camp, inter-clan football completion, a marathon run and cultural exhibitions.

Byakutaga, who rallies the kingdom subjects to support the event, said the Omukama will be visiting every districts to launch the event as well as mobilise support.

It will be held under the theme "Transforming Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.''

Samuel Tumusiime, the special assistant in the prime minister's office in charge of youth affairs, said this year's empango will also be used to sensitise the subjects on HIV/AIDS, hard work, value of education and environmental conservation.

He said the king has appointed Edgar Agaba, the executive director of gaming and lotteries to organise the marathon run, where the proceeds will go towards the procurement of 3D Ultra Sound Fatal Doppler for the Buliisa district hospital.

He said they expect 5,000 runners to grace the marathon to raise sh16m for medical equipment.

This year's empango is expected to be a special one as it is when the Omukama will announce his cabinet.

The Omukama on January 15 appointed Byakutaga as a new prime minister to replace Norman Lukumu, who had served in that position for two and half years.

Byakutaga is being assisted by a seven-member committee of the royal commission.

The Omukama also in his appointment letter, directed the new prime minister and the royal commission he instituted last year to structure a new cabinet.

The royal commission is headed by Dr Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, the former permanent secretary in the energy ministry and now senior presidential advisor on oil, gas and mining.

The commission is mandated to review all the past controversial agreements, sieve appointees and establish an inventory of the kingdom property.