HOIMA, June 9, 2025 – The King of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Iguru Gafabusa, has dedicated the proceeds from this year’s Empango Marathon to the purchase of a cancer screening machine for Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Thousands of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom subjects recently participated in the marathon, held to mark the 31st anniversary of King Iguru’s coronation, known locally as Empango. The event is one of several activities leading up to the main celebration on 11 June at the kingdom’s palace in Hoima City.
In a message read on his behalf by Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga, Iguru thanked his subjects for embracing the run, calling it a symbol of unity. He emphasised the importance of improving health in the kingdom, noting that the new screening machine will enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment in the region.
Byakutaga also confirmed that the Omukama will not perform traditional rituals this year due to ill health. “We are only going to celebrate the 31 years since our King was enthroned. We are not going to have Empango—these two are different,” he clarified.
Other pre-Empango activities have included a Bunyoro native food festival, a golf tournament, and a trade show.
Dr Joseph Ruyonga, Member of Parliament for Hoima West praised the King’s initiative, saying it would strengthen service delivery at the hospital. “The facility receives many patients needing cancer screening, but they’re often referred to Mulago Hospital due to lack of equipment,” he noted.
Aldon Warukamba, spokesperson for the National Forestry Authority, one of the event sponsors, said their support was part of efforts to strengthen ties with the Kingdom. He also urged residents to preserve both their cultural heritage and the environment.
Kingdom subjects Shakul Ayesiga and Dian Ampire commended Omukama Iguru for maintaining the Kingdom’s legacy and for initiatives like the marathon, which they said promote unity, good health, and the restoration of Bunyoro-Kitara’s past glory.
https://thecooperator.news/cooperative-selected-to-benefit-from-grow-project-in-bunyoro/
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