Today marks 25 years – a quarter century – since the Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru l was enthroned in 1994 on June 11, as the cultural King of Bunyoro following the restoration of tribal kingdoms by the NRM government.
Locally known as Empango, the celebrations are organized by the kingdom every year as a way of commemorating the day that their King was crowned.
Iguru ascended to the throne on June 11, 1994, following the restoration of kingdoms by the current government after they had been abolished by the Obote I government in 1969.
The celebrations have attracted Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom subjects from the districts of Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Buliisa, Kiryandongo and other parts of the country who are all dressed in traditional attire.
Guests who turned up for the celebrations include the King Oyo of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and Members of parliament among other guests.
Iguru’s 25year reign is credited for promoting a good working relationship with the central government. In his message read by the Prime Minister Andrew Byakuataga, the king said in the 25 years achievements have been registered in areas of education, unity among stakeholders and promotion of legal marriages among others.
In today’s coronation anniversary, the King is also expected give the State of the Kingdom address to show how Bunyoro has transformed over the years and the challenges ahead. Empango is the first ritual, the Omukama (King) performs as he is crowned.
Iguru the 27th King under the Ababiito clan first performed the ritual on June 11, 1994, following the restoration of cultural institutions by the NRM government.
Since then, Empango has been marked annually in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
The empango ceremony is preceded by the presentation of the regalia (ebikwaato) to the monarch.
This ritual is performed by the men in charge of the regalia (Ab’ebikwaato) on the night of June 9.
The ceremony of presenting the regalia to the king is known as Okweeza and the regalia are called amahango. It is also known as the regalia-cleansing ceremony.
On Monday night, the officials in charge of the regalia handed over the regalia to the Omukama, including the Tibamuliinde drum. It is at this point that the empango ceremony begins, although a few people attended.
A number of pre-Empango activities have been done including Empango marathon where thousands of the kingdom subjects participated in the marathon and the proceeds were used to purchase a blood analyzer machine for Kiryandongo Hospital.
During the Marathon that took place last Saturday, the Kingdom subjects raised 22 million to purchase the machine.
