Ankole cultural leaders unite to revive heritage

BY FEDNAND TUHAME

Over 200 cultural leaders from districts of Ankole region have joined forces to restore and strengthen Ankole’s rich cultural heritage.

The high-level meeting, which was held yesterday at Itaaba Kabanyoro in Rwampara, brought together all committed to reviving Ankole’s traditions and identity.

Cultural leaders from Ibanda, Kazo, Kiruhura, Buhweju, Mbarara, Isingiro, Ntungamo and Rwampara joined the meeting.

Itaaba Kabanyoro is a place where the last Chwezi Wamala lived and made the Ankole drum “Bagyendanwa” of healing and deliverance in the culture.

A key outcome of the meeting was selecting the leadership committee to spearhead cultural restoration efforts.

Omuhereza Nabasa from Kazo District was selected as the chairperson, pledging to lead initiatives aimed at mobilizing communities and promoting cultural values.

She said that through cultural education, preservation of indigenous knowledge, and community engagement, the region is embarking on a journey to reclaim its historical identity

Unlike other traditional institutions in Uganda, such as Buganda, Tooro, Bunyoro and Ankole has struggled to maintain its structures.

However, according to one of the team leaders from Ibanda district Rugumiriza Tumwine, with this renewed movement, its heritage is set for revival.

Meanwhile; the Prince of Ankole Kingdom Prince Salim Tugume, the son of Igumira Kitobobo II and a great grandson of Ntare V welcomed the delegation to Itaaba Kabanyoro where the history of Ankole Kingdom begun and promised total support.

The leaders pledged to work with local communities to promote traditional values, preserve cultural landmarks, and ensure Ankole’s history is passed down to future generations.