President Museveni hails Banyala Kingdom for promoting unity

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President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Banyala Kingdom in Kayunga district for promoting unity among its people.

“We appreciate the dedication, focus, and commitment of all the people who have participated in all ways to see that the kingdom becomes stronger and stronger,” applauded Museveni.

Banyala kingdom is among the three Ugandan tribes which claimed autonomous status from Buganda in the early 2000.  Others are the Kooki Kingdom in Rakai district and Buruli Kingdom in Nakasongola district.

Banyala waving at His Royal Highness the Ssabanyala, Rtd. Maj. Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu during the 16th coronation anniversary at Bbaale Village. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

According to Museveni, many victories will be attained as Banyala continues to work in unity, focusing on changing and developing their communities.

When the government restored cultural institutions, Museveni said, it was intentional to provide an opening for the cultural institutions to fully participate in the development of their peoples’ livelihood, especially in fighting impoverishment.

President Museveni's remarks were in his speech delivered on Friday during the coronation anniversary celebrations of His Royal Highness the Ssabanyala, Rtd. Maj. Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu.

People presenting gifts to Rtd. Maj. Baker Kimeze Mpagi Byarufu, Ssabanyala king during his 16th coronation anniversary at Bbaale Village in Bbale Subcounty in Kayunga district. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

The President was represented by the state minister for gender in charge of youth and children affairs, Dr Balaam Barugahara, who read his speech to the congregation during the 16th coronation anniversary held at Bbaale Village in Bbaale sub-county in Kayunga district.

During the colourful cultural event, subjects from different districts presented gifts, including Matooke, sacks of rice, goats, and sacks of sugar, among others, to His Highness the Ssabanyala.

The historical event was graced by government officials, religious leaders, councillors, and cultural leaders including His Royal Highness Lt. Col (rtd) Martin Ayongi Kamya, of the Bwamba Kingdom in Bundibugyo district, Kamuswaga, Apollo Sansa Kambumbuli II of Kooki Kingdom in Rakai district, His Royal Highness Robert Obara, King of Bugwe Kingdom in Busia district, Ambassador George Atim, the Secretary General of Uganda Kings and Cultural leaders Forum, and Samuel Kasirye, the prime minister of Buruli Kingdom who represented the King of Buruli, His Highness Isabaruli.

MK supporters welcome Dr Balaam Barugahara, state minister for gender in charge of youth and children affairs during his 16th coronation anniversary. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

Addressing the Banyala and their guests, the Prime Minister of the kingdom, Rev Wilson Galimaka, commended King Byarufu for standing firm in his leadership amidst the challenges and threats.

“As people of Bunyala, we are all behind your leadership, and we shall remain obedient and supportive so that our Kingdom is emancipated socially, economically, and politically,” Galimaka said.