Museveni to Grace Bunyoro Coronation Anniversary

Francis Mugerwa

10 June 2011

President Museveni is expected to grace the coronation anniversary of the King of Bunyoro-Kitara tomorrow in Hoima District.

Bunyoro will be commemorating the 17th coronation anniversary of King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I under the theme, “Come we build a new Bunyoro”.

The kingdom’s prime minister, Mr Yabeezi Kiiza, said Bunyoro hopes to fundraise for the rehabilitation of the Omukama’s Karuziika Palace.

Mr Kiiza said Shs180 million has been ear-marked for the occasion.

“The budget for the coronation anniversary in 2010 was Shs220 million but this year’s has been reduced due to a shortfall in the revenue,” he added.

2,500 expected

Mr Kiiza said over 2,500 guests from Uganda and abroad are expected to attend.

This will be the first time the President will be in Bunyoro after winning the February general elections.

Omukama Iguru is the chairperson of the forum of kings and cultural leaders in Uganda, which brings together all Ugandan traditional leaders.

The forum was launched by President Museveni in November 2009. Mr Kiiza said the king is expected to offer awards to selected people who have been exemplary in supporting the kingdom.

President Museveni was also the chief guest during the king’s 16th coronation anniversary where he donated Shs200 million towards the rehabilitation of the palace. He cautioned cultural leaders against meddling in politics.

Bunyoro-Kitara is one of the oldest kingdoms in East Africa.

The Kingdoms in Uganda were abolished by government in 1966 but were restored in 1993 by the NRM government.

AllAfrica – All the Time