BY: ABITEGEKA GERALD
Hoima -The Omukama of Bunyoro- Kitara Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I on Sunday presided over a New Moon festival that was held at Karuziika Royal Palace in Hoima. The New Moon norm is a core function that is performed by the King of Bunyoro-Kitara.
The Omukama who was dressed in his full Cultural Regalia, was ministered to by the hereditary chiefs as he sat on the throne (nyamyaro) amidst the playing of the requisite drums and amakondere.
According to Bunyoro tradition, the sitting of the King on his throne professes peace, great harvests, good health to the King’s people, prosperity, lakes to produce more fish and his people not to drown or get accidents.
The head of the royal regalia George Muhuruzi invited regalia staff to come before the King and perform their respective traditional rituals.
“Those rituals are meant to prepare the King to receive reports from his people and to give direction to his officials and the general public” Muhuruzi said.
Amidst drumming and sounding of royal musical instruments such as royal flutes (amakondere), the King walked from his throne and moved through his courtyard and passed through the houses of Mucwa, Kyamunuuma, Kyakato, Komurweyo, Kitoogo and met officials in a royal court.
ACTIVITIES IN ROYAL COURT
In the royal court, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Andrew Byakutaga appreciated the King for leading the new moon festival.
“Your Majesty, am pleased to inform you that your people are working hard to improve their livelihoods” Byakutaga said.
He added that the various Kingdom officials are performing the roles which His Majesty assigned them.
Muhuruzi said the New Moon festival is an ancient tradition that is performed by each reigning King of Bunyoro-Kitara.
While in the royal court, some new members charged with a responsibility of performing some rituals were introduced to the King and they kissed the Omukama’s hand under a ceremony traditionally known as okunywa amata.
ATTENDEES
The ceremony was attended hereditary heads omukonda, omupanyarwa, omunywisa, omujuura kondo, abajwarakondo, the keepers of nyamyaro and other palace staff.
ABOUT THE CEREMONY
The ceremony is an old tradition in Bunyoro kingdom which is performed every year by the reigning king in appreciation of God for providing for his people and it is performed very early in the morning and that is when the king receives reports from his people.
Before holding a New Moon festival, Mparo Royal Tombs, the burial site of Omukama Kabalega, Omukama Sir Tito Winyi and other royals was cleansed (okweza) and cow hides that cover the Royal tombs were replaced following requite cultural norms.
In recent times, the Omukama’s public engagements have been limited, with most activities confined to private functions within the palace walls.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
