- June 10, 2018
- Posted by: Communications
- Category: Empango 2018 Magazine
By Robert Owagonza Abwooli
Just Imagine that time when Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom used to be one of the most powerful kingdoms in East Africa especially between the 13th and 19th century influencing the entire Uganda, Tanzania and Congo. All was well during this period; Bunyoro was Socially, Economically and politically strong. But alas! Even this did not last! Before we knew it our glory was soon gone! We had wars with Buganda and the colonialists; our productive land was gazetted as forest and animal reserves; the local entrepreneurship spirit was undermined; our cattle killed and eventually a high level of laziness and ntamuhira (self seeking) spirit set in. To date, the hangover of these injustices we suffered under colonialism still haunts us. For some time now, lamenting has become a common song in Bunyoro.
The Transformation Journey: Basing on what Bunyoro has gone through, efforts have been focused on transforming the Region, after all, no situation is permanent. As we refocus Bunyoro, we hope, we shall regain our lost glory. What does transforming Bunyoro mean? It means waking up as a region and uplifting ourselves from poverty, diseases and illiteracy in order to live dignified lives. It also means rediscovering the zeal and determination with which our forefathers, such as Kabalega used to confront challenges. But in the first place, are true descendants of our fallen hero, Kabalega? May be not basing on our cowardice and laziness! While it is true that Bunyoro suffered injustices under colonialism, any hangover over the same will only keep us backward. It is high time we moved on.
including the King of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, cultural/clan/civic/political/business leaders.
While it is true that Bunyoro suffered injustices under colonialism, any hangover over the same will only keep us backward. It is high time we moved on.
Bunyoro needs a TOTAL TRANSFORMATION and in order to have a total transformation, we need to refocus Bunyoro and regain the glory that God gave us. We also need to assess ourselves and find the mistakes we have been making so that we can improve and move on. Fighting each or one another, pulling one another down, blaming each other, hating to see our own prospering (ntamuhira) can never deliver us anywhere. We should wake up and speak with one voice as a region, identify our common needs and priorities as Bunyoro, desist from gossiping and drinking alcohol and devote that time to work. Let us put our trust in Almighty God
Bunyoro is blessed with enough resources and good weather to develop what we need to change is our mindset to be in position to harness the available resources for development. In addition, we must position ourselves strategically to benefit from the oil discoveries in the Albertine region.
All leaders from Bunyoro must put aside their political differences and reunite for the sake of the love of God and Bunyoro’s.
Long Live Bunyoro
For God and My Country
By Robert Owagonza Abwooli