Banyabindi community decry discrimination
The Banyabindi perform their Orunyege traditional dance. However, such cultural dances are threatened with extinction by the majority Bakonzo ethnic group. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- So far, witnesses examined said the Banyabindi were expelled from their land by government and the Rwenzururu Movement between 1962 and 1980.
Kasese. The Banyabindi community, a minority ethnic group in Kasese District, has asked the Equal Opportunities Commission to compel government to resettle them and also recognise their cultural leader and chiefdom just like other ethnic groups.
The hearing of the same complaint filed by the Banyabindi community against government has since started in Kasese Town following a petition citing alleged discrimination and marginalisation at both local and national levels.
While testifying before the commission on Tuesday, Mr Elisha Mugisa Ateenyi, the Banyabindi cultural leader, said they want to enjoy their rights like others.
The commission chaired by Justice Joel Coax Ojuku, said the petition was signed by 847 people, all members of the Banyabindi community.
Claims
Representing the petitioners, Ms Irene Nassaka, told the Commission that they are denied rights to ownership of land, education, political, cultural, property, life, employment, among others and that they have been discriminated from all opportunities.
So far, witnesses examined said the Banyabindi were expelled from their land by government and the Rwenzururu Movement between 1962 and 1980.
“The government of Uganda displaced the Banyabindi to create institutions like Mubuku prisons farm, Ibuga prisons and Queen Elizabeth National Park and we have since lived in camps at the Sub-county headquarters,” Mr Elisha Mugisa said on Monday.
They added that they have been demanding for settlement but government instead settled the Bakonzo and Basongora in 2007 and left them to stay in camps, a move they say is a sign of discrimination.
They also argued that government has never awarded their children scholarships, political appointment, jobs, and that the Kasese District Council has allegedly imposed a directive on their children in primary schools to be instructed in Lukonzo language.
“Some of us have worked at the district in different positions as volunteers but we get surprised when they advertise available positions and we are not considered even after passing the interviews in similar position for years,” Ms Jane Benuza, one of the concerned residents, lamented.
