Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom is in preparations for 25th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I slated for tomorrow at the Karuziika Royal Palace in Hoima district.
The reigning King Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, first performed this ritual on the June 11, 1994 thus it has been an annual remarkable day up to date. Empango is the first ritual the Omukama (King) performs as he is crowned.
According to Apollo Rwamparo, the kingdom’s second deputy prime minister, Empango celebrations is always punctuated by a series of activities which include among others ‘Omujaato event’ which entails bull roasting as various companies promote their brands throughout the night.
He other events include sounding of the Royal Drum by His Majesty at 3:00 am on the eve of the anniversary and the main event that will take place tomorrow and will be graced by cultural dances from the Omukama’s subjects and speeches from various government and international dignitaries and envoys.
“When all is done, this all climaxes into the Grand Empango Dance which is opened by His Majesty by re-sounding the Royal drum at Nyamyaro at exactly 3:00pm and this continues until dawn.” He said
Annually the Empango anniversary draws close to 2,000,000 people who grace the occasion from across Uganda, regionally Bunyoro receives huge entourages from Congo, Nigeria Tanzania, South Africa Kenya and across the world.
Other activities entail;
The Cultural Promotion week normally conducted at the Rukurato Hall Gardens in which various corporate companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, Schools and Colleges, Universities, Cultural Troupes and Groups exhibit. Clan heads bring totems to various clans live at the exhibition. This segment also entails the “Ekyoto” the African Ancient Fire Place where children would be taught about their culture and very many other activities
Coronation Prayers at Bunyoro Kitara Diocese St. Peters Cathedral Duhaga Hoima. Empango Marathon, Health Camp, Hoima town Clean up, Tree planting, Musaija Mukuru Hill climbing, Budongo Forest nature walks/hiking, The Kabalega Royal mile hiking and Bird watching, Murchison Falls Game drives, Chimpanzee trekking ,Kibiro hot springs and salt works among others.
