As Bunyoro Kingdom marks the 18th coronation anniversary for Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, subjects say much needs to be done to steer the kingdom’s development.
Some of the subjects who spoke to Uganda Radio Network say 18 years since the kingdom’s restoration, nothing much has changed in terms of development. They blame this on political divisions and lack of sense of ownership for the institution by subjects.
Tom Muhe, former Hoima district councilor for Kyangwali Sub County, says majority of the masses do not fully own the kingdom and this is because they are not aware of its importance.
Muhe says this is because people have not been sensitized and mobilized.
The politician says in celebration of the 18t coronation, much effort should be put on mobilization of subjects on matters of culture. He says politicians should be key in mobilization since they have a direct link with the local masses.
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Joseph Apuuli Karugaba, an opinion leader, says divisions in the kingdom along political camps and disrespect of the kingdom have hampered its development.
Karugaba says the Banyoro are so much divided and thus cannot come together for a common cause. He says as they celebrate this 18th coronation anniversary, such divisions should cease so the subjects can work together for the development of the kingdom.
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In Bunyoro there are just a few institutions like schools, health centers and other projects set up by the kingdom and local people say this makes the kingdom appear more irrelevant.
During his swearing in as prime minister about two months ago, Jackson Nsamba Kasozi pledged to focus on mobilizing the subjects to enhance their love for the kingdom. He said this would be done using the established kingdom structures right from the village level.
The coronation event locally known as “Empango” is characterized by a number of cultural ceremonies among them a traditional dance- “Amakondere” which crowns off the day’s events.
Meanwhile security has been beefed up in and around Hoima town ahead of the event. Hoima Deputy RDC Abdul Swammad Wantimba says night and day patrols are in place.
Wantimba says security fear that terrorists could take advantage of the function to commit their atrocities and thus a need to tighten up.
