Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (BKK) will commemorate 100 years since the demise of Omukama Chwa II Kabaleega on 6th April 2023.
Omukama Kabaleega died on 6th April 1923 in Busoga on his way back home. He was returning from Seychelles Island where he was held by the British colonialists for 23 years.
A Central organizing committee for the Omukama Kabaleega Memorial Day is chaired by Owek. Jonathan Nyendwoha Mutiti, the First Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Culture.
Members of the Committee include Owek. Dinah Kasangaki, the BKK Minister for Gender, Owek. Katende Patrick, the BKK Minister for Youth & Social Services, Owek. Dauda Chwa, the Minister for Investment & Reparations, Mr. Alex Katusabe, the Chief Administrative Secretary, Hajji Bruhan Kyakuhaire, the BKK Cultural Advisor & Owek. Rukahemura Robert, the BKK Social Affairs Officer.
The main commemoration will be held at Kikangaara Hill, Buyanja Secondary School in Kibaale district at the site where Omukama Kabaleega defeated an internal resistance that attempted to prevent him from ascending to the throne.
The Central Organising Committee has developed a road map for the commemoration which will be serialized. Different events will be held in different districts during this year.
Several Radio talk shows have been held across the Bunyoro region and more publicity and mobilization activities have been rolled out.
The commemoration will among others include community service, a cultural exhibition, speeches, a football match and the launching of some projects in honour of Omukama Kabaleega.
Owek. Isaac Kalembe Akiiki, Omutalindwa (Speaker) of BKK Parliament, Dr Yolam Nsamba Atwooki, a secretary of the Royal Commission and Owek. Robert Rukahemura Akiiki, the BKK Social Affairs Officer are among the writers that will publish books about the legacy of Omukama Kabaleega.
Local and international Guests have been invited to attend the commemoration.
Tribute, public holiday and airport in honour of Kabaleega
Meanwhile, Nyakato Asinansi, the Woman MP for Hoima City, petitioned the Office of the Prime Minister so that the Parliament of Uganda holds a special session and pays tribute to Kabaleega.
In a February 2023 letter to the leader of government business, Nyakato says Kabaleega must be recognised and honoured for his great contribution to Uganda and his resistance against British rule.
Apart from paying him a tribute, the lawmaker wants the 6th of April of every year gazetted as a Public Holiday in commemoration of Kabaleega’s great contributions.
She also suggests that the airport currently under construction in Hoima district be named Kabaleega International Airport.
Brief Background
Born on 18th June 1853 to King Kyebambe IV Kamurasi Mirundi and Nyamutahingurwa Abwooli, Kabalega was the 23rd King in the Babiito dynasty.
Kabaleega became King of Bunyoro in 1869 when he was 16. He unified, pacified and stabilized Bunyoro. He built diplomatic relations between Bunyoro and other states.
He expanded the geographical boundaries of Bunyoro-Kitara and established strong and dignified leadership, developed local and international trade and put up a resistance against British colonialists to safeguard Bunyoro’s sovereignty.
He was captured in 1899 and exiled to Seychelles Island where he spent 23 years. He died on 6th April 1923 at Mpumudde hill in Busoga on his way back home.
In 2009, President Museveni declared Omukama Kabaleega a national hero. In 2010, the most honourable order of Omukama Kabaleega was inaugurated in honour of Kabaleega. He inspired Africans to fight for independence.
