Preparations are underway in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom for the 32nd coronation anniversary, locally known as Empango, of Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Agutamba Rukirabasaija Iguru.
The annual cultural celebration commemorates the day Omukama Iguru ascended to the throne on June 11, 1994, and is expected to attract thousands of kingdom subjects and guests to the Rukurato Gardens in Hoima City.
This year’s Empango celebrations will be held on June 11, 2026. The celebrations will feature a variety of cultural activities including traditional dances, drama performances, poetry recitals, and other heritage exhibitions aimed at promoting Bunyoro culture and identity.
The Kingdom is currently mobilizing at least Shs300 million to facilitate several activities lined up ahead of the celebrations. These include an Empango marathon, business exhibition, Runyoro language competition, boxing competitions, and a golf tournament to be hosted at Masindi Golf Course grounds.
A royal thanksgiving prayer service is also scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Cathedral on June 10, 2026.The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga, has called upon the people of Bunyoro to positively contribute towards the preparations and attend the celebrations in large numbers.
According to Byakutaga, this year’s anniversary will be celebrated under the theme: “Promoting our Cultural Heritage and Diversity for Social Economic Development.”The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom comprises the districts of Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Hoima City. URN