A reveller enjoys a fun moment at Bakiga Nation event last weekend. PHOTO/courtesy
In 2014, a small group, led by a One Owen Bigombe, met in a bar to celebrate shared nostalgia from Kigezi. That night sparked a movement that would grow into Bakiga Nation. In 2016, the urban cultural event rooted in tribal pride was birthed. As the movement prepares for its 17th edition and 10th anniversary next month, there will be a celebration of a decade of music, rich cultural stories and community.
Bigombe recounts a journey that began with a nickname and a party, which grew into a cultural event. As the team lead and co-founder of Bakiga Nation, Bigombe’s title barely captures the scope of his vision; a powerful force reconnecting people, culture and community across Uganda. Often mistaken for an annual event, Bakiga Nation is much more than a festival. From the outside, the cultural pride of the Bakiga is evident in their music, dance and traditional wear. But as urban migration and modern life scatter communities across Uganda and beyond, Bigombe recognised a connection of his people was missing.
Giving identity a platform
The seed of Bakiga Nation was planted long before it had a name. Born and raised in Kampala, Bigombe is the son of a Kanungu native. His father had moved to the capital in search of a better life, as many Bakiga did and are still doing. Yet their cultural identity remains intact. His idea was to give that identity a platform. At university, Mukiga was his nickname. Embracing it, he started organising casual “Bakiga party,” nights filled with music and dance at local bars such as Flames in Bakuli back in 2014.
He recalls his collaborators: media personality Gareth Onyango and longtime friend Nikita Bachu. The parties drew a lively crowd, but they also raised questions from older, more traditional community members. “People would say, ‘We want to come, but we cannot be in a bar at night and at times we want to come with our children’,” he remembers. That feedback changed everything.
A visit to his parents’ home offered more clarity. There, on an old curtain box, was a sticker with a verse from Isaiah: “A nation exalts itself.” “I Googled the definition of a nation: “A group of people from a common area who speak the same language.” That is us, Bakiga. So, I coined the name “Bakiga Nation,” he says. The name came first, followed by the logo: a woman with a hoe resting on her shoulder. “A nation is often referred to as ‘she,’ and Bakiga people are cultivators”. “I wanted the logo to show how the woman symbolises strength, work, and the foundation of our culture,” he says.
Rukundo egumeho: First edition
Bigombe and his team launched Rukundo Egumeho in 2016, a cultural festival that would become the flagship of the movement. The name was also inspired by a gospel song Rukundo egumeho (Let love reign) by Peace Mbabazi . It was held at Zone 7, Bugolobi. “We ran out of chairs. Out of food. Out of drinks. Zone 7 had stocked up for the whole weekend, but by 9 pm, everything was done,” he recalls. That night, new friendships were born and so was the core team.
Isaac Bashungwa, now head of operations and Peter Karekyera have been working with Bakiga Nation since the first edition. Since then, Rukundo Egumeho has become a bi-annual event, blending traditional performances with storytelling, food and celebration. For the first three years, it was free entrance. Eventually, they started charging Shs10, 000, until it was stabilised to Shs20, 000, making it an affordable cultural event.
The impact
Bakiga Nation has worked with organisations like Grace Villa, a shelter for vulnerable girls in Kabale; Seeds of Hope on Itambira Island; and Ruhandagazi Primary School in Bushenyi. These partnerships reflect Bigombe’s belief that culture and community should uplift each other. Then there are the personal stories: a performer named Elvis “Kabwondera” Nkurunziza got his big break after being spotted at the edition. Today, he runs his own troupe and has travelled near and far. Another man, who once sold chicken at the festival, now owns a successful catering company.
Strangers who met at one edition formed an investment club that has since amassed about Shs80m and bought land. Fact Zamani, a Western Uganda singer whose songs are mainly in Rukiga says that he feels so proud singing to a crowd that can even understand him without him saying a word. Just like the slogan, there is a lot of love at the festival, especially for entertainers, and within the people attending. “I made one of my hit songs ‘Twashuba twanywa,’ inspired by performing at Rukundo Egumeho.
I left the festival, went to the studio and people loved my song. Whenever I sing at the festival, I feel like I am singing for my relatives. It feels like home,” he says. He remembers his first debut at the festival as incredible as people danced in the mud, like they had no care in the world.
A sense of belonging
Paul Ndyomugyenyi has attended Rukundo Egumeho since inception. “It is like celebrating Christmas in June. It has solidified our identities as we celebrate oneness.” He says the event has helped him to understand that supporting people back home is what everyone is called to do. “The feel of ekizino- Bakiga traditional dance, cultural drinks bring back memories,” he adds.
The 10th anniversary
As Bakiga Nation marks its 10th year, Bigombe and his team ask patrons to share more impact stories, some of which will be showcased at the event.People have met and made families from the previous events and others have got business partners. “We left home and Bakiga Nation has given us a platform to reconnect and invite others to celebrate kikiga culture with us: friends, spouses, workmates, and neighbours. Bakiga Nation is about finding each other again, celebrating who we are, and using that pride to build something lasting,” he says.
Should I attend?
Bakiga Nation marks its 10th year, people have met and made families from the previous events and others have got business partnerships from the event. The team is also into investments and helping the needy.
