A Century of Kabalega’s Legacy Commemoration wound up with a Royal Dinner and Awards Gala.

On April 30th, 2024, the grand celebration of 100 Years of Omukama Cwa II Kabalega (April 06, 2023 – April 05, 2024) came to a magnificent close with the Royal Dinner and Commemoration Awards Gala at Hoima Resort Hotel, Bunyoro Convention Hall. This marked the culmination of a year-long series of events that began on April 6th, 2023, at Kikangaara, Buyanja, the historic site where Omukama Kabalega was crowned King. The gala was a fitting tribute to a ruler whose legacy continues to shape the cultural, social, and political fabric of Bunyoro and Uganda.

The event was organized by the Kabalega Foundation, in partnership with Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, and was graced by royalty, corporates, members of the business community, and individuals from all walks of life who gathered to honor the life and legacy of Omukama Kabalega. The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Andrew Byakutaga, was the Chief Guest, and he expressed deep gratitude to the participants for their unwavering love for the Kingdom and their commitment to honoring the legacy of Omukama Kabalega. He emphasized the importance of unity in carrying forward the King’s spirit and legacy, urging all to continue working for the development of the Kingdom.

The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Andrew Byakutaga giving his remarks.

The evening also featured the premiere of the Tuko Pamoja Docu-series, specifically the Bunyoro Segment produced by Nyati Motion Pictures. This documentary highlighted the rich history, culture, and people of Bunyoro, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and Kabalega’s enduring impact. The screening was warmly received and provided a fitting visual tribute to the Kingdom’s journey.

The Commemoration Awards Gala recognized and celebrated outstanding individuals, organizations, and companies that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic development of Bunyoro. The recipients of these prestigious awards were commended for their efforts in areas ranging from education and healthcare to cultural preservation and community development. The evening was a reminder of the immense potential within Bunyoro and the ongoing work required to ensure the region’s prosperity.

Throughout the event, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner, providing a perfect atmosphere for networking and reflection on the Kingdom’s progress. Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, Executive Director of the Kabalega Foundation, served as one of the hosts and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the partners and sponsors for their support in making the event a success. He thanked all the attendees for gracing the occasion and emphasized the significance of the 100 Years of Kabalega commemoration. Dr. Isagara noted that the celebrations, which included events such as the Inaugural Kabalega Independence Run in Hoima on October 7, 2023, the Inaugural Kabalega Memorial Lecture on December 18, 2023, and now the dinner and awards gala, were not only about celebrating Kabalega’s legacy but also about inspiring a renaissance in Bunyoro. He highlighted the theme of the commemoration: “Leveraging a Hero’s Legacy to Inspire Social, Cultural, and Economic Transformation.”

Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, the Executive Chairman of Kabalega Foundation addressing the guests.

Dr. Isagara also congratulated the recipients of the various awards and thanked them for their contributions to the development of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. He challenged them to continue their efforts and do even more for the Kingdom. He also encouraged those who had not received awards to draw inspiration from the honorees and strive to contribute to the Kingdom’s progress.

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to Omukama Kabalega’s vision for a prosperous Bunyoro. The event underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Bunyoro’s cultural heritage while continuing to invest in its future development. It was a celebration of both the past and the future, as the people of Bunyoro and Uganda rallied together to honor their heritage and build a brighter future.

Click here to view the full dinner Gallery

  Click here to view the full list of 100 Years of Kabalega Commemoration Awards Recipients