TORORO – Cultural and political leaders from across the Bukedi sub-region have launched a renewed campaign to restore Obwa’Senkulu Bwa Bukedi (Bukedi Kingdom), describing the initiative as a unifying cultural project aimed at promoting regional development, preserving heritage and strengthening the collective voice of the people.
The campaign was unveiled during a consultative meeting held at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo District, bringing together cultural prime ministers, traditional leaders, district chairpersons, local government officials, religious leaders and members of the Bukedi Kingdom Steering Committee.
Speaking on behalf of His Royal Highness Patrick Pangoli Ndoboli II, the Acting Prime Minister of the proposed kingdom, Dr. Kedi Steven Zuluba said the restoration should not be viewed as an attempt to replace or weaken existing cultural institutions but rather as an umbrella framework for cooperation.
“Today we have not gathered to debate who is greater than the other or to erase anyone’s identity. We are here to explore how our people can benefit more by working together than by working separately,” Dr. Zuluba said.
He explained that the proposed kingdom seeks to unite the culturally diverse communities that historically formed the greater Bukedi, including the Bagwere, Banyole, Japadhola, Basamia/Bugwe, Iteso communities within Bukedi’s historical sphere and other neighbouring communities, while allowing each to retain its language, customs, traditions and leadership.
According to Dr. Zuluba, the initiative is guided by the principle of “unity without uniformity,” arguing that stronger cooperation among the region’s cultural institutions would enhance advocacy for improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, youth employment, investment and cultural preservation.
He said a united cultural platform would also strengthen the region’s engagement with government and development partners while promoting peace, social cohesion and economic transformation.
The meeting also revisited the historical evolution of Bukedi, tracing its origins to the traditional leadership established under Wakida Mulalaka and later Senkulu Lyada Ndoboli I before colonial administration dismantled the institution in the early 20th century. Organisers said the restoration aims to revive that historical heritage while adapting it to contemporary realities.
Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Mangeni Dirisa, described the consultations as a significant milestone in the restoration process.
“Our engagement with leaders has been very successful. We believe this marks another important step towards restoring our kingdom and advancing the development of the Bukedi region,” he said.
Kibuku District LC5 Chairperson Muhamad Nakeba, who was represented by his Vice Chairman Nangheje Barshiri rallied the people of Bukedi to embrace the initiative, saying unity among the region’s communities would strengthen development efforts and safeguard the area’s cultural heritage. He urged leaders and residents to put aside their differences and support a common vision that promotes peace, cooperation and socio-economic transformation across the sub-region.
Participants also welcomed the initiative, saying it presents an opportunity to preserve cultural identity while fostering unity among the people.
Susan Mugoya, a resident of Kibuku District, said the restoration would help younger generations appreciate the history and traditions of Bukedi.
“We need to teach our children about our cultural heritage and encourage all leaders to champion unity because development comes when people work together,” she said.
The steering committee said consultations will continue across the sub-region as stakeholders seek wider consensus on the proposed restoration.
Leaders maintained that the vision is not one of cultural domination but partnership, with every existing cultural institution expected to retain its autonomy while collaborating under a common platform for the prosperity of the Bukedi people.
