Bunyoro Kingdom Seeks Repatriation of Stolen Artifacts held by the British at Oxford University

Summary:

• Mr. John Apollo Rwamparo, 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, appeals to Uganda’s Minister for Tourism for support in retrieving cultural artifacts held by the British at Oxford University. He also urges action against land grabbing threatening cultural sites.

---

Mr. John Apollo Rwamparo, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in mid-western Uganda, has reached out to Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Maj (Rtd) Tom Butime, urging support in the recovery of priceless artifacts currently held by the British at Oxford University in the United Kingdom (UK).

Since 2013, the kingdom authorities have tirelessly pursued the return of these objects through diplomatic channels, yet progress has been elusive. Mr. Rwamparo underscored the significance of recent legislative developments, particularly the enactment of the Museums and Monuments Act, which he believes provides a legal framework to facilitate the restitution of stolen cultural treasures.

“Hon. Minister, I am aware that the policy is not yet in place but please support us in this one as it is in place to restore our properties,” he implored, expressing hope in Article 62 of the Act, which emphasizes the restoration of such objects.

At the heart of Bunyoro’s quest for cultural repatriation lies the demand for the return of nearly 300 artifacts, including the 700-year-old nine-legged wooden royal throne/stool – a symbol of the once-mighty Bunyoro Kitara Empire. Among the treasures unlawfully taken are the royal drum, Kajumba, crafted by the Bacwezi rulers of Bunyoro, estimated to be between 800-900 years old, and other cultural relics integral to Bunyoro’s heritage.

These items, looted by British soldiers in the aftermath of the fall of Omukama Kabaleega, represent not only tangible artifacts but also the intangible legacy of a proud kingdom. Mr. Rwamparo emphasized the urgency of addressing land grabbing, a growing threat to both the kingdom and local communities. He highlighted areas hosting culturally significant sites, such as the oil wells of Waraga, which face the imminent risk of encroachment.

In response to these pressing concerns, Minister Butime pledged collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard the interests of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and its communities. Acknowledging the critical role of culture in tourism promotion, he affirmed his commitment to addressing land grabbing and ensuring the protection of cultural heritage sites.

Additional Report: Kazi-Njema

Follow @examinerug