Hoima District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Hundreds of participants gathered today in Hoima City to take part in the much-anticipated Kabalega Independence Run 2023, an event that marked the 100th anniversary of Omukama Daudi Cwa II Kabalega.
The event, which saw extensive security deployment and caused traffic jams across the city, was officially flagged off by Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga Ateenyi of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
The event commenced with an invigorating session of aerobics at Hoima Booma Grounds and city ambulances were strategically placed to ensure the safety of participants and address any unforeseen obstacles that might have arisen during the event.
The Black Examiner learned that The Kabalega Independence Run received support from various stakeholders, including Movit Products Limited, NBS Sport, Airtel Uganda, Vision Group, Total Energy and Red Cross on the scene to provide immediate medical assistance to any casualties.
The event garnered acclaim from various quarters, with Asinasi Nyakato, FDC Member of Parliament for Hoima District, expressing her gratitude for the remarkable turnout. She lauded the participation of the Bunyoro people in the charity run, emphasizing the representation from various regions, which underscored their unity. She urged parents to instill the same spirit of togetherness in their children, highlighting the potency of unity in achieving common objectives.
“The primary objective of this run was to raise funds for the Kabalega Education Fund dedicated to assisting underprivileged individuals and students facing challenges in education,” Nyakato explained. She further encouraged everyone to partake in this annual event and contribute to the noble cause of providing educational support to those less fortunate.
Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, Member of Parliament for Hoima West, shared his thoughts on the importance of the charity run. “Bunyoro is a magnificent kingdom, and King Kabalega was an illustrious monarch. This run seeks to raise funds for the betterment of education, particularly for institutions like Duhaga S.S and Sir Tito Winyi S.S, which are currently in dire straits,” he remarked. Dr. Ruyonga called upon every Munyoro, irrespective of their location, to rally behind this cause, emphasizing that such endeavors would not only rejuvenate these institutions but also attract more visitors to the region.
Dr. Ruyonga added, “When visitors come to these institutions, they will learn about the legacy of King Kabalega and Sir Tito Owinyi. This will not only garner respect for these institutions but also promote increased interest in our region.” He urged the Banyoro diaspora to embrace and bolster their kingdom, highlighting the transformative potential of collective efforts.
Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, the Executive Director of the Kabalega Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the dedicated runners who contributed to the noble cause of the Kabalega Independence Run, highlighting its pivotal role in supporting children’s education. He told journalists on Saturday that the Kabalega Foundation was established in 2019 by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. While the run had to be put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the inaugural edition of the Kabalega Independence Run
He further stated, “This run will be an annual event, including next year. The funds raised will be systematically managed by a dedicated panel to ensure proper assessment and allocation.” Dr. Kisoro emphasized, “As we celebrate 100 years of Kabalega, we reflect on the crucial role of culture and transformation. Culture holds immense significance within every kingdom.” He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the event sponsors and shared that this year’s fundraising target was set at UGX 50 million, noting that this amount will enable numerous students to enroll in educational programs. However, the final fundraising amount would be announced later.
Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga Ateenyi told The Black Examiner that The Kabalega Independence Run is set to become an annual event, contributing to various socioeconomic transformation initiatives and causes. “He thanked the Kabalega Foundation, adding that it’s starting the Kabalega Education Fund to support brilliant and less privileged students in continuing their education. ‘We are grateful for them because we are partnering to improve the level of education,’ he further told this publication that Bunyoro Kitara also runs a scholarship program for students admitted to the university, selecting two students, one boy and one girl, from each district.
He mentioned that as a kingdom, the necessary infrastructure is already in place to support those entering university, with the kingdom covering their tuition. The centenary celebration of Kabalega’s legacy has prompted Banyoro to appreciate his contributions, and he encouraged Banyoro to do so, as it serves as motivation.”
ABOUT KABALEGA
Kabalega was born on June 18, 1853, to King Kyebambe IV Kamurasi Mirundi Rukanama and Kanyange Nyamutahingurwa Abwooli. He became the 23rd king of the Babiito dynasty when he ascended to the throne in 1869 at the age of 16. He passed away on April 6, 1923, in Mpumude, which is in the current Jinja District, Busoga region, while on his way back home.
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