Kedi for Bukedi as Leaders Push for the Restoration of Bukedi Kingdom with a motive to fight Poverty and unemployment.

By David Imaa

TORORO

Cultural and political leaders from the Bukedi sub-region met on Saturday at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo to advance plans for the restoration of _Obwa’Senkulu Bwa Bukedi_ Kingdom, with poverty reduction and socio-economic transformation placed at the center of the agenda.

The consultative gathering brought together district chairpersons, elders, and cultural representatives from Tororo, Busia, Butaleja, Kibuku and Pallisa to discuss the structure, unity, and development priorities for the proposed kingdom.

Kingdom tied to jobs and development  

Acting Prime Minister of the proposed kingdom, Dr. Steven Keddi Zuluba, told leaders that restoring the kingdom is not just about culture. He said it must serve as a development vehicle.

Dr. Keddi believes that once the kingdom is recognized, natural resources in Bukedi, including tourism, that have been under-exploited will be properly harnessed to create jobs for the youth. He added that the institution will also help enhance the intellectual capacity of the people through education programs and cultural schools.

“Most important is fighting poverty, social economic development and transformation of Bukedi,” Dr. Keddi said. “We need the support of well-placed literates in front from Bukedi to lead this agenda.”

He argued that having sons and daughters of Bukedi in key positions of government, academia, and business will be critical in lobbying for the kingdom and attracting investment into the sub-region.

Language emerges as key unity issue 

Language dominated discussions as leaders weighed how to unite Bukedi’s diverse communities. Busia District Chairperson, Hon. Namayindi John Charles, raised concerns over which language should be adopted to unite all communities under the kingdom. He also asked whether existing cultural institutions and their leadership are willing to give goodwill and support to the initiative.

In response, Dr. Keddi the interim primer said they are committed to continued consultations on a language that can be taught in schools and spoken across Bukedi communities.  Leaders noted that Bukedi is home to Bagwere, Japadhola, Bagisu, Banyole, Iteso and other groups, making the choice of a common language both necessary and delicate.

The next steps for Bukedi kingdom 

Dr. Keddi outlined three priorities moving forward: Wide community consultations in all Bukedi districts to build consensus Engagement with professionals and elites from Bukedi to provide technical and intellectual support Resource mapping to identify how the kingdom can leverage land, agriculture, minerals and tourism for job creation Leaders resolved to intensify mobilization ahead of formal engagements with government on the recognition of Obwa Senkulu bwa Bukedi.

The kingdom’s proponents have in recent months linked the restoration campaign to cultural events such as the Kwakira Festival, and in July launched a broader drive to rally communities behind regional unity.

For many at Saturday’s meeting, the message was clear: the kingdom must deliver tangible benefits. Culture, they said, must translate into schools, jobs, and improved livelihoods.