Oulanyah was a son of the soil – Kyabazinga of Busoga

The Kyabazinga has eulogized late Rt Hon. Jacob Oulanyah as friend of Busoga Kingdom who was held in high esteem by kingdom elders.

In condolence message presented to Parliament by the Kingdom Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muvawala, the Kyabazinga described the Oulanyah as a son of the soil.

The King’s message further stated that Busoga Diocese Pioneer Bishop, late Rt Rev Cyprian Bamwoze alluded to the former Speaker as his son.

“For us who come from Busoga, that is not a small feat. It means that he [Oulanyah] is indeed a son of Busoga, and we commiserate with everybody, and pledge that Busoga is with you,” Muvawala said.

The Katukiro said this in an interaction with the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, on Monday, 04 April 2022, while handing over the Kyabazinga’s tribute about the former Speaker.

He signed the condolence book on the day, on behalf of Busoga Kingdom.
Muvawala also lauded Speaker Anita Among and the Deputy Speaker, on their election to the new offices.

“We congratulate you on the new Speakership positions and we hope that you will be our champion in this August House,” the Busoga Kingdom Premier added.

Muvawala also called for increased collaboration with Parliament, to support development of the Kingdom.

He made mention of a process to return the kingdom’s properties that were taken over by government following the abolition of cultural institutions in 1966.
“We have received a memorandum to sign between the President and the Kyabazinga regarding the return of the properties of Busoga Kingdom. When signed, we will rely on Parliament to continue supporting us,” Muvawala said.

After cultural institutions were abolished Busoga Kingdom’s assets were taken over by the central government at the time, some of which are still serving as sub-county headquarters.

Later in 1995 when President Yoweri Museveni reinstated cultural institutions, the kingdom was unable to reclaim the properties.

In September 2021, legislators on the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus led by Chairperson Hon Stephen Kisa, reiterated the call to government to consider returning the properties, which would help to foster economic growth.