Push for Restoration of Bukedi Kingdom Raises Eyebrows.

By Skika Reporter.

A campaign by a section of leaders in the Bukedi sub-region to restore the Bukedi Kingdom has sparked debate, with political and cultural leaders questioning its purpose given the existence of five recognized cultural institutions in the region.

The campaigners argue that reviving the kingdom would strengthen unity, preserve the region’s cultural heritage, and promote socio-economic development.

Speaking during a consultative meeting held at Rock Classic Hotel on Saturday, the interim Prime Minister of the restoration committee, Dr. Stephen Zuba Kedi, said the proposed kingdom would serve as a supreme cultural institution without interfering with the operations of the existing cultural institutions.

Dr. Kedi revealed that His Royal Highness Pangoli Patrick Ndoboli II, a grandson of Lyada Ndoboli I, was installed as the Senkulu of Bukedi on December 14, 2019, and currently resides at Kiryolo Palace in Lwatama Sub-county, Kibuku District.

He said Bukedi remains the only historical kingdom that was not restored when the government reinstated traditional institutions in 1993, arguing that the absence of a unifying cultural leader has contributed to divisions and underdevelopment across the sub-region.

Dr. Kedi added that plans are underway to formally enthrone the Senkulu later this year, saying the restored kingdom would advocate for better roads, improved healthcare, quality education, clean water, electricity, youth employment, industrialization, environmental conservation, and investment.

The chairperson of the steering committee, Dirisa Mangeni, said the initiative seeks to unite the people of Bukedi while promoting their shared cultural heritage and economic transformation.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism.

Busia District Chairperson John Charles Namayindi questioned why the restoration campaign is emerging more than three decades after the government restored cultural institutions.

Namayindi noted that Bukedi is home to five distinct cultural institutions representing the Iteso, Samia, Japadhola, Banyoli, and Bagwere communities, each with its own language and cultural identity.

He raised concerns over how the proposed kingdom would coexist with the existing institutions, asking who would take precedence in matters of protocol, whether the Senkulu position is hereditary or rotational, and what common language would be used to unite the diverse communities.

Namayindi warned that unless such questions are clearly addressed, the initiative could create divisions instead of unity.

Participants at the meeting also called for broader consultations involving all cultural institutions before any decision is taken, saying they need guidance from their respective cultural leaders to avoid misunderstandings.