Prime
Museveni warns kingdoms on ethnic tensions
Subjects entertain the gathering at the coronation anniversary.
What you need to know:
Message. The President called for peaceful resolution of any conflicts in kingdoms to ensure that tensions are not created
Hoima.
President Museveni has urged cultural institutions to prevent ethnic tensions in their respective regions.
The President’s message was contained in a speech read for him by the Bunyoro Affairs state minister, Mr Ernest Kiiza, during celebrations to mark the 21st coronation anniversary of the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, in Hoima District yesterday.
“In the traditional African society, conflicts were peacefully resolved. The NRM government in consonance with the African values, believes in peaceful resolution of conflicts and misunderstandings. I urge cultural institutions to uphold that value of peace, unity and tranquility of the whole country,” the President’s speech read in part.
Bunyoro and Rwenzori regions have been entangled in land and ethnic tensions.
On July 5, 2014, ethnic clashes left more than 90 people dead in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko districts.
Bunyoro also has a history of clashes between the indigenous Banyoro and Bakiga settlers, who bicker over land and political power.
President Museveni said it was important to focus on peaceful resolution of any conflicts that may arise in the kingdom and with neighbouring ethnic groups so that tensions are not created out of the activities of the cultural institution.
Omukama Iguru appreciated government for returning some of the kingdom’s land titles but also asked it to return all restituted assets.
He also asked government and his subjects to support the Bunyoro Kitara Royal University, which the kingdom started last year.
During the celebrations, the kingdom’s prime minister, Mr Norman Lukumu, launched a fundraising drive dubbed Omugaanda, where proceeds of the campaign will be invested in the kingdom development projects.
“We shall build the king’s palaces in all districts of Bunyoro, build structures for our university, start income- generating projects for our people and enhance agricultural productivity,” he said.
Buganda Kingdom prime minister Charles Peter Mayiga, who announced Buganda’s contribution of Shs10 million towards Bunyoro Kingdom’s fundraising drive, said cultural institutions need to promote unity if they are to realise their development projects.
He said poverty and deprivation are humiliating to mankind and asked cultural institutions to focus on provision of social services that can improve people’s welfare so that the y live dignified lives.
The celebrations also attracted King of Tooro, Oyo Kabamba Iguru, the Isabaruuli Ssalongo Mwogeza Butamanya, the King of South Kivu in DR Congo, Mr Mwami Kabare, political and religious leaders, development partners as well as investors.
Infrastructure
Omukama Iguru also asked government to improve infrastructure in Bunyoro region. “I request government to also tarmac other roads in Bunyoro so that improved infrastructure can accelerate the development of our region,” he said.
