The Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV over the weekend held a royal banquet in honour of the Kingdom’s sons and daughters who have excelled in different fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Kyabazinga noted that it was time for Busoga to acknowledge efforts by the different sons and daughters who have immensely contributed to the region’s development and promotion of unity.
The Kyabazinga, said the banquet would become a regular feature on the annual calendar to thank individuals and organizations that have a competitive edge over others in the service of humanity.
The King revealed that this year’s theme was ‘enhancement of the girl child’s education’ because future mothers, who are educated and skilled, would definitely expunge poverty from the region.
Speaker of parliament who was among the awardees descried failure by the central government, institutions and individuals to fight environmental degradation.
“Heavy rains and winds which have recently culminated in loss of lives, houses, gardens, and other property stemmed from collective failure on afforestation. The cutting of trees, with abandon, and without attraction of any sanctions is unacceptable, “she said citing an example of Ethiopia that embarked on afforestation, a decade ago, it ensured that 12million trees were planted annually. Today, she boasts of more than 120 million new trees.
The speaker also urged the kingdom leadership and people of Busoga to walk the talk of afforestation. She too revealed that there is need for documenting of a book that showcases tangible contribution to regional, national and international advancement by individuals from Busoga.
Earlier in the day, the Kyabazinga decorated awardees at Bugembe to a mammoth crowd.
The Categories are three and they include;
The Sir William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope II Medal for distinguished service to Humanity. Awarded to men and organizations which have transformed the lives of many.
The Source of the Nile (Eninha ya Kiira) Medal awarded to achievers and innovative People and Organizations whose deeds promote and preserve the pride of Busoga.
The Omwoyo Gwa Busoga Medal awarded to exemplary people and organizations which diligently protect, nurture and uphold Busogas culture, heritage and selflessness.
The maiden awardees were long serving clerk to council of Busoga Lukiiko elderly Patrick J Mwondha (Omwoyo Gwa Busoga), Abasoga Nseete (Omwoyo Gwa Busoga), inaugural Busoga Premier Keith Mutengu (Omwoyo Gwa Busoga), Eng F G Mulyagonja, (Omwooyo gwa Busoga), Busoga Kingdom Anthem composer Arthur W Musulube (Eninha ya Kiira or source of the Nile medal ), Quiin Abenakyo,(Eninha ya Kiira),His Lordship Samuel William Waako Wambuzi,(Eninha ya Kiira).
Others are Sheik Dactoor Abdu Qadir Muwaya, (Sir W Gabula Nadiope II), Owek Daudi Kintu Mutekanga, (Sir W Gabula Nadiope II), Owek Yekonia Menhya Kibedi Zirabamuzale Kyedumira, (Sir W Gabula Nadiope II), Rt Rev Bishop Dr Cyprian K Bamwoze (Sir WWGN II), HE Specioza Naigaga Ohtana ekyeru Wandira ,(SWW GN II) with Rt Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga (Sir WW GABULA NADIOPE II) making the final list.
The Kyabazinga accompanied by Kadaga among other guests and royals later opened the dance at an event partly sponsored by MTN.
At the same Banquet, the Kingdom Premier Dr. Joseph Muvawala launched the official portrait of the Kyabazinga and Kingdom Certificate. He asked government to return Busoga Kingdom’s properties to bolster its financial muscle.
