Bunyoro gears up for pre-empango marathon

TRADITION

BUNYORO - Thousands of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom subjects are gearing up for the fourth edition of the pre-empango marathon due on Saturday in Hoima town.

This is one of the activities organised to commemorate the Empango (coronation) anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru. The king will on June 11, mark 25 years since he ascended the throne.

The run is organised by the Bunyoro Kingdom to raise funds and procure an sh22m human blood analyser machine for Kiryandongo district hospital.

The run that will be flagged off by the Omukama at Karuziika palace in Hoima town, will attract kingdom subjects from the districts of Hoima, Kibaale, Masindi, Kagadi, Buliisa, Kikuube and Kakumiro.

The Bunyoro Kingdom prime minister, Andrew Byakutaga, said the run was started in 2015 as a way of mobilizing the subjects to raise awareness and celebrate the Omukama's coronation.

The Marathon will cover 12km.

Byakutaga called on the Kingdom subjects to turn up in a big number for the run in order to achieve the kingdom's dream of acquiring the machine.

Andrew Kaahwa, the event spokesperson said they are expecting more than 8,000 people to grace this year's Marathon.

To participate in the run, one has to buy a T-shirt at sh10,000.

The kingdom subjects turned up in high numbers at various outlets to buy kits to wear for the rum.

John Kabagambe who was already donned in his sleeveless T-shirt said he is more than ready to participate in the run on Saturday as a way of expressing his love to the kingdom.

Jane Kabahuma says the run is paramount as it acts as a sign of unity among the kingdom subjects and other people living in Bunyoro.

James Byalero from Busiisi division said this is the time for all the kingdom subjects to rise up and show love, togetherness, solidarity, and unity to their kingdom.

Meanwhile, as a way of supporting the Marathon and the Coronation anniversary celebrations, Pilsner Lager produced by the Uganda Breweries Limited on Friday handed over a contribution of sh50m to the kingdom at a function that was presided over by the Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga.
 
Byakutaga applauded Uganda Breweries Limited for recognizing the presence and existence of the kingdom.

Edgar Kihumuro, the brand manager Pilsner lager said recognizing and working with cultural institutions across the country is key and that is why they chose to celebrate the silver jubilee with Bunyoro kingdom, adding that the company will continue supporting the kingdom