Pressure group warns Omukama Iguru off Ankole Kingdom affairs

Kampala

The Banyankore Cultural Foundation has written to Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru warning him against interfering in the affairs of Ankole kingdom.

The March 3 letter said the Omukama had to right to ask districts of Ankole to debate and pass resolutions to recognise Prince John Barigye as the Omugabe of Ankole. The letter said the move was neither necessary nor appropriate since the people of Ankole had long pronounced themselves on the matter.

“On this point we would like to advise that your forum had no legitimacy or right to discuss this issue and even propose that Mr John Barigye be recognised as the Omugabe of Ankole because the issue of Obugabe can only be determined by the community concerned not your forum,” the letter, signed by the foundation chairman Kesi Nyakimwe, reads in part. Other signatories are legal secretary John Jean Barya, general secretary Godfrey Asiimwe and treasurer Yusuf Mpairwe. BCF is a pressure group opposed to the restoration of Ankole Kingdom.

The letter further adds; “The people of Ankole and Bunyoro Kitara have always had cordial relations but your letter of November, 2009 threatens to unravel that relationship. And following this letter, as republicans, we would like to ask you this question; would you enjoy a campaign among your people from Banyankore to undermine the existence of Bunyoro Kitara Kingship?”

Last year the campaign to restore the Ankole cultural leader took a new twist when the institution said its push for the recognition and the installation of Prince Barigye was faced with intimidation and ‘orders from above.’

In defence
President Museveni and Trade Minister Kahinda Otafiire have also opposed the restoration of the kingdom due to alleged divisive politics surrounding the kingdom. Bunyoro kingdom spokesperson Ford Mirima, yesterday defended his king, saying those complaining should not look at Omukama as the one pushing for the restoration of Prince Barigye but instead condemn the entire Kings forum.

“Omukama Gafabusa talked on behalf of the forum of kings because he was given that responsibility in his capacity as chairman of the forum. He was not talking as Bunyoro king,” Mr Mirima said.
Prince Barigye’s coronation was cancelled in November 1993.