Ntungamo District, Uganda – We, the people of Ankole, stand united in our demand for the restoration and recognition of the Ankole Kingdom. It is time for our voices to be heard, and for our rightful heritage to be acknowledged and returned to us.
We call upon the government to return all assets that were taken from the Ankole Kingdom. This includes not only our historical properties but also the cultural treasures that define our identity as Banyankole. We shall mobilize our communities, both locally and globally to rally behind this cause and petition the Speaker of Parliament, Hon.Anita Among, for the restoration of our kingdom and the return of our properties, just as has been done for other kingdoms in Uganda.
We demand compensation for the assets that have fallen into disrepair, including the royal regalia currently housed in the national museum, the kingdom palace, and the lands of Ankole Kingdom that are now under the control of the central government. It is unacceptable that these treasures of our culture remain neglected while other kingdoms have been restored to their former glory.
As Banyankore, we are perplexed by the government’s selective restoration of kingdoms. Why has the once-mighty Ankole Kingdom been left in ruins while Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, and Tooro etc have been recognized and supported?
The 1993 Act on the restitution of cultural leaders and the 1995 Constitution clearly state that all former kingdoms, including Ankole, should be restored.
We believe that unity among the Banyankore is crucial. If we stand together, our collective voice will be impossible to ignore.
We must organize a procession to Parliament to demand the return of all assets that rightfully belong to the Ankole Kingdom.
It is time for us to reclaim our heritage and ensure that the Ankole Kingdom is restored to its rightful place in our nation’s history.
#M7MustRestoreObugabeBwaAnkole
Let us unite for our cause!
By Matsiko Chrispus
Former LC5 Chairman Aspirant
Denying the restoration of Ankole Kingdom constitutes a violation of cultural and human rights. This refusal undermines the cultural identity and heritage of the Ankole people. President Museveni is concerned that he may lose the backing of Ankole region if the kingdom is restored since people tend to listen and respect their cultural leaders