Tororo, Uganda: Local government leaders from across the Bukedi sub-region have renewed calls for the restoration of Obwa Senkulu Bwa Bukedi (Bukedi Kingdom), pledging to pursue an inclusive and non-political process aimed at preserving cultural heritage and fostering regional unity.
The leaders made the resolution during a consultative meeting held at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo, convened by the Steering Committee for the Restoration of Bukedi Kingdom.
The meeting brought together LCV chairpersons, municipality, division and town council mayors, LCIII chairpersons, cultural leaders and elders from the districts of Busia, Budaka, Butaleja, Butebo, Kibuku, Pallisa and Tororo.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister of Bukedi Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Dr. Keddi Steven Eric Zuluba said the campaign to restore the kingdom is driven by the people’s desire to reclaim their cultural identity while strengthening unity across the sub-region.
“The Bukedi Kingdom represents the heritage of the Iteso, Bagwere, Banyole, Basamia, Japadhola and all communities of the greater Bukedi. Our goal is to build an institution that promotes peace, preserves our culture, and supports government development,” Dr. Zuluba said.
He noted that a restored kingdom would provide a stronger platform for advocating improved infrastructure, better healthcare services, quality education, access to clean water and electricity, expanded markets for farmers, youth employment opportunities, industrial development and investment across Bukedi.
Chairperson of the Bukedi Kingdom Restoration Steering Committee, Mangeni Dirisa, said the committee has prioritised peaceful engagement with existing cultural institutions and government authorities to ensure the restoration process progresses harmoniously.
He outlined achievements already registered, including extensive community consultations, documentation of cultural governance structures and engagements with premiers of the various chiefdoms, as well as officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Busia District LCV Chairperson John Charles Namayindi welcomed the restoration initiative but urged the steering committee to deepen consultations with existing cultural institutions to promote consensus and avoid unnecessary disagreements.
“We need continued consultations with all existing cultural institutions so that this process remains peaceful, inclusive and beneficial to everyone in Bukedi,” Namayindi said.
Kibuku District Vice Chairperson Bashir Nanghenjje also endorsed the initiative, saying restoration of Bukedi Kingdom would help revive the region’s historical identity while promoting social cohesion and development.
“It will restore the lost glory of the once powerful Bukedi Kingdom and provide a stronger foundation for unity and development across the sub-region,” Nanghenjje said.
Following deliberations, participants resolved that the restoration process should remain inclusive of all communities and clan leaders within Bukedi, while avoiding political influence.
They also agreed to undertake joint community sensitisation campaigns led by clan leaders to ensure peaceful mobilisation and tasked the steering committee with continuing engagements with the central government to fulfil all legal requirements under the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act for the kingdom’s formal restoration.
Bukedi Kingdom remains one of Uganda’s historical monarchies yet to receive official government recognition despite being among the country’s traditional constitutional kingdoms before colonial administrative changes in the early 20th century.
The proposed kingdom comprises the chiefdoms of Samia-Bugwe, Bugwere, Bunyole and Adhola, with His Highness Patrick Pangoli Ndoboli Lyada II installed as the Senkulu (King) on December 14, 2019, during a cultural ceremony held at his palace in Kiryolo Village, Lwatama Sub-county, Kibuku District.
Under Uganda’s Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, traditional or cultural institutions may only operate after fulfilling statutory requirements and receiving formal recognition through gazettement by the government.
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