Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom will lay emphasis on environmental conservation and promotion of tourism in celebration of the 24th coronation anniversary (Empango).
The kingdom will mark 24 years since reigning Bunyoro King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru ascended the throne on June 11, 1994. The event will take place at Karuzika Palace in Hoima town on June 11.
The Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga said in marking the 24th coronation anniversary, conservation of the environment ranks high among the Kingdom priorities.
The Defender and Protector of Banyoro Culture being undertaken through the rituals of the Empango in the past coronation anniversary
He notes that because of the oil discovery in the Albertine Grabben, there is an influx of people from all over Uganda and beyond coming to settle in the region, adding that this has impacted negatively on the environment. A number of wetlands and forests such as Bugoma and Bujaawe have been encroached and cleared as part of the growing population looks for where to settle and do agriculture.
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Flanked by former Prime Minister Emmanuel Kiiza Aliba, Byakutaga said the kingdom will join efforts against further encroachment of the natural resources.
“We are going to work together with government agencies responsible for environmental conservation,” he said.
Phillip Katahoire, the Kingdom Prime Minister’s Assistant in charge of Diaspora said he has already contacted Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for a possibility of the Kingdom partnering with the government agency to promote tourism, through exposing and marketing Bunyoro’s tourism potential.
“I have met UWA officials and we want to sign a memorandum of understanding to promote tourism,” Katahoire said.
Bunyoro is home to part of Murchison Falls National Park, the Kibiro Hot Springs, the Western Arm of the East African Rift Valley, and Lake Albert among other tourist sites.