http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=56305
Following the request to government to return the kingdom properties,
Tooro has started compiling a list of assets it’s demanding from the
government.
During the 18th coronation anniversary at the Karuzika in Fort Portal on
Saturday, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, his Prime
Minister Dr Stephen Kaliba and several other Kingdom officials all spoke
of the need for government to return the assets commonly referred to as
Ebyaitu.
The speakers used the analogy of twins, referring Tooro as Nyakato and
Buganda Kingdom as Nyangoma, two names given to female twins. They
argued that children are treated equally noting that since Nyangoma has
already received what belongs to her, it’s time for Nyakato to also
celebrate.
The list, a copy of which Uganda Radio Network has accessed, shows that
the Kingdom is demanding for more than 150 assets including land and
buildings from the government. The assets are located in Kabarole,
Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts. The Kingdom also has assets
in Kasese and Bundibugyo, which were formerly under Tooro Kingdom.
Some of the assets include large chunks of land that are currently being
occupied by squatters especially in the counties of Mwenge, Kyaka in
Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa district respectively and in Bunyangabu County in
Kabarole district.
In an interview with Uganda Radio Network, Steven Kaliba, the Tooro
Kingdom Premier, says some of the buildings are currently being occupied
by government institutions like town councils, schools and health
facilities. Kaliba says that since the facilities are important, they
will not be evicted but want the government to compensate the kingdom.
//Cue in: “They are with…
Cue out:…compensate the kingdom.”//
Kaliba says King Oyo is yet to form a team that will negotiate with the government for the return of the assets.
He also said Tooro cabinet and parliament will meet and agree whether
the kingdom should also ask government to give Tooro royalties from
Kilembe Mines, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Katwe Salt Lake in
Kasese district.
At his 46th coronation anniversary two months ago, the Rwenzururu King
Charles Wesley Mumbere asked the government to divert all the royalties
that have been going to the central government and Tooro kingdom to his
kingdom. Mumbere said that since Rwenzururu institution has been
recognized, all royalties must revert to it. Some of the resources he
mentioned include Katwe salt lake, Kilembe Mines, Hima cement factory
and the Queen Elizabeth national park.
David Isagara, the Tooro Kingdom estates manager says he hopes the list
will be given to the kingdom premier next week, who will then hand it
over to King Oyo.
No comments:
Post a Comment