Rwenzururu seeks sh25b for new palace

CULTURE|HERITAGE

The recently appointed Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) leadership is seeking for sh25b to construct a new palace for the institution in a different place.

On November 27, 2016, security forces clashed with Rwenzururu royal guards. This led to the destruction of the palace, located along Kibanzanga Road in Kasese Municipality. This followed allegations that the institution, headed by its leader, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Irema-Ngoma, was engaged in criminal acts.

Mumbere and some 200 of his subjects were arrested and have since been arraigned before the Criminal Division of the Ugandan High Court charged with various offences including treason and murder.

Since then, both Government and the OBR have set up a joint dialogue body, aimed at promoting peace in the Rwenzori region, including the possibilities of having the case against Mumbere and his co-accused settled out of court.

According to the newly appointed OBR Prime Minister, Joseph Kule Muranga, there are arrangements to start releasing some of the accused.

New palace
In a circular dated October 28, and seen by New Vision Sunday, Muranga appeals to well-wishers to contribute Omuhinzi (Lhukonzo word for material or financial support) towards the construction of a new palace, locally known as Buhikira Palace.
"The purpose of this letter is to kindly request you and your Orgnaisation generously contribute to this giant venture," says the appeal letter.

The letter, which is copied to the RDC, regional Police commander, Rwenzori, district Police commander and the district chairperson, provides  Centenary Bank Account 310001432 titled "Rwenzururu Kingdom Palace Construction Fund"  and Mobile Mo 0782 556 350 for small amounts.

He says sh5b is urgently needed to kick-start the first phase of the palace construction, whose artistic impressions has been done by a former OBR Works Minister, Engineer Fataki.

Other projects
Unveiling other projects aimed at rebranding the embattled cultural institution
 Muranga says his administration, was mobilising about sh17b aimed for Rwenzori Mountain Green Revolution Project aimed at dressing Mt Rwenzori with trees.

He says the project, aimed at containing the recurrent natural disasters, including floods and landslides  in the region, will start with Kasese before extending to Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo.

"However, we shall need to cooperate with other kingdoms and local governments in Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo districts because the effects of climate change and global warming which are causing disasters in Rwenzori region know no culture, border or tribe," he says.

Muranga further says under a Rwenzori Mountain Wool Project, his administration intends to introduce Merino sheep from Kenya into Mt Rwenzori highlands for commercial farming.

"Cage fish farming for the lake region will also be introduced particularly on lakes George, Kanyanja, Kazinga Channel and Edward and in local swamps that can be harnessed.

Also forthcoming is a silk project to produce silk fabrics while the institution also plans to establish a university to save residents from going too far for university education.