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Preparations are in full swing in Hoima City for the 30th anniversary of the coronation of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. The coronation, also known as the Empango, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 11, at the royal palace. Andrew Byakutaga, the kingdom’s prime minister, has indicated that the event is expected to draw hundreds of attendees from various parts of the country.
In the lead-up to the Empango, several activities have been organized across Bunyoro. These include a marathon, a blood donation drive, a business exhibition, and a music festival. These events have been successful and have set the stage for the main celebration.
The Empango commemorates Omukama Iguru’s ascension to the throne on June 11, 1994. Thousands of kingdom subjects are anticipated to gather at the palace, known as Karuzika, to participate in the festivities. The celebration will feature various cultural performances, including traditional dances, drama, and poetry recitals.
Francis Mugerwa, the communications manager for the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, mentioned that the kingdom will cover most of the expenses for the celebration. On Monday, the royal family attended a thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Hoima City, which was led by Bishop Samuel Kahuma of the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese.
Mugerwa expressed confidence in the preparations, stating, “Everything is set for the Empango and we expect people from different parts of the country to attend. We have been organizing other events which have gone on well.”
Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga urged the kingdom’s subjects to contribute positively to the coronation anniversary and attend the event in large numbers. He emphasized the significance of the celebration for the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, which includes the districts of Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Buliisa, and Kiryandongo.
Unfortunately, kingdom officials have announced that Omukama Gafabusa Iguru will not be able to attend the event due to illness. The celebration involves lengthy sitting and the performance of rituals, which are not feasible given his current health condition. However, other members of the royal family will be present to represent him at the ceremony.