Cultural Leaders Renew Push for Restoration of Bukedi Regional Kingship.
By Ambrose Wanagoli and Gabriel Oligo.
A section of cultural leaders from the Bukedi sub-region has resolved to intensify efforts to restore the Bukedi Regional Kingship, saying the institution would foster unity, preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-economic development.
The resolution was reached during a meeting held on Sunday at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo.
The meeting was chaired by Stephen Zuba Kedi, the interim prime minister of the proposed Bukedi Kingdom, an umbrella cultural institution intended to unite the chiefdoms and cultural institutions across Bukedi sub-region
The meeting was attended by prime ministers from the Bunyole Cultural Institution, Owaikumbania Cultural Institution, and the Samya Cultural Institution, while the Prime Minister of Tieng Adhola was represented.
Addressing the gathering, Kedi said the Bukedi Kingdom dates back to 1817 and once extended as far as Karamoja before it allegedly collapsed in 1854 following internal conflicts.
He said the kingship is hereditary and is currently vested in His Royal Highness Patrick Pangoli Ndowooli, whom he described as the last surviving son of the kingdom’s last king. According to Kedi, preparations are underway for Ndowooli’s enthronement later this year.
Kedi said the restored Bukedi Kingdom would serve as an umbrella cultural institution overseeing the existing cultural institutions in the region while promoting unity, poverty, eradication, and development.
“It is valuable to have a bigger cultural leadership that brings together these cultural institutions.
Bukedi has abundant minerals, fertile soils, and many educated people who can influence development. Let us unite and push for the restoration of this kingdom,” Kedi said.
Apollo Lyada, the Prime Minister of the Bunyole Cultural Institution under Prof. Chomi called for the speedy gazettement of the Bukedi King, noting that Bunyole had also experienced delays in the recognition of its cultural leadership.
Lyada commended President Yoweri Museveni for restoring cultural institutions in Uganda, saying they have contributed to unity and development.
He also thanked the president for appointing several leaders from the Bukedi sub-region to senior government positions but urged influential political leaders from the area to support efforts aimed at expediting the gazettement of the proposed Bukedi Kingdom.
The leaders concluded the meeting by pledging to continue consultations and mobilization to secure official recognition of the Bukedi Regional Kingship.
