Banyala leaders want 2013 agreement implemented

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Banyala cultural institution premier the Rev. Wilson Galimaka has requested President Yoweri Museveni to implement the Buganda and Government of Uganda agreement of 2013.

According to Galimaka, if the Banyala are emancipated socially and economically, they will cease to be mere objects of history, and instead, be fully able to participate in civil society and build their chiefdom and country.

As stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed between the Government and Buganda Kingdom on August 1, 2013, The Kabaka shall respect the cultural norms of other related ethnic communities located in Buganda such as the Banyala and Baluli, and leave to them land where the former administrative units were situated as it was amicably agreed by both parties.

Isabanyala Baker Kimeze (second right) waves to his subjects as Rev Wilson Galimaka (right), Banyala Kingdom Prime Minister leads him to his sit during the coronation anniversary celebrations at Bbaale Village. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

Galimaka says though they have the agreement signed by the leadership of Mengo and the government, unfortunately, implementation has failed since 2013.

“President, you are well known for making bold decisions and we feel that you are the only person to emancipate the Banyala. We request you to ensure that the agreement is put into action,” Galimaka said.

Galimaka made the call during the coronation anniversary celebrations of Ssabanyala, Maj. (rtd) Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu held at Bbaale village in Bbaale sub-county in Kayunga district on Friday, August 16, 2024.

The celebrations were held under the theme: Rise, Build Our Culture for Socio-economic Emancipation.

Banyala are among the three Ugandan tribes that claimed autonomous status from Buganda in the early 2000. Others include Kooki in Rakai district and Baruuli in Nakasongola district.

High profile attendees

The anniversary was graced by government officials, religious leaders, councillors and cultural leaders including His Royal Highness Lt. Col (rtd) Martin Ayongi Kamya, the King of the Bwamba Kingdom in Bundibugyo district, His Royal Highness Apollo Sansa Kambumbuli II Kamuswaga, the King of Kooki Kingdom in Rakai district, His Royal Highness Robert Obara, King of Bugwe kingdom in Busia district.

Other cultural leaders included the secretary general of Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum Ambassador George Atim and Samuel Kasirye, the prime minister of Buruli kingdom who represented Buruli king Isabaruli who is abroad.

Subjects wave for Isabanyala Baker Kimeze during coronation anniversary celebrations at Bbaale Village in Bbaale Subcounty in Kayunga district on 16th August 2024. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

During the event, subjects from different districts presented gifts including matooke, sacks of rice, goats, and sacks of sugar to the Ssabanyala who also received shillings 30 million from President Yoweri Museveni.

Call to be gazetted

While addressing Banyala, Galimaka also expressed concern about the limited resources that the kingdom has. Disclosing that they are poverty-stricken and that their king has not been able to carry out his duties and responsibilities effectively.

“We want to be gazetted. The kingdom submitted and fulfilled all requirements needed by the government for the institution to be gazetted. But till now, all in vain. Bunyala is marginalised and our Omukama cannot run this institution without the benefits that are given to other people,” Galimaka said.

To the Banyala, Galimaka said, though they have been under monstrous injustice and their cultural viability being threatened, they should embrace and love their cultural institution and culture. Emphasising that, culture constitutes the guarantee for the preservation of the identity of a person.

"We celebrate the life and Grace God has granted the Ssabanyala Rtd. Major. Baker Kimeze to fulfill his leadership mission in the Bunyala Kingdom for the development of the region he overseas and the people he leads," he said.

Museveni commended Ssabanyala for not only promoting unity among his subjects but also developing the region: “We celebrate all the work that has been done, the charities and community development projects pioneered to enhance the kingdom activities and welfare of the communities that yield from your leadership”.

President Museveni's remarks were contained in his speech delivered by youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara during the coronation anniversary celebrations of the Ssabanyala, Maj. (rtd) Baker Kimeze.