Hoima: The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara His Royal Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I presided over a New Moon festival that was held at Karuziika Royal Palace in Hoima City on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
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 in 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 for the King’s people, prosperity, lakes to produce more fish, and for his people not to drown or get into accidents.
The Head of the Royal Regalia Owek. 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,” Muhuruzi said.
Amidst the drumming and sounding of royal musical instruments such as royal flutes (Amakondere), the King walked from his throne (Nyamyaro) and moved through his courtyard, passing through the houses of Mucwa, Kyamunuuma, Kyakato, Komurweyo, and Kitoogo, and meeting officials in a royal court.
In the Royal Court, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga, appreciated the King for leading the new moon festival.
“Your Majesty, I 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 that His Majesty assigned them.
The Head of the Royal Regalia, Owek. George Muhuruzi, said the New Moon festival is an ancient tradition that is performed by each reigning King of Bunyoro-Kitara.
Explaining the significance of the New Moon festival, Owek. Muhuruzi said traditionally, the festival is meant for the King to receive reports from his people and to give direction to his officials and the general public.
While in the Royal Court, some new members charged with the 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.
The ceremony was attended by BKK Premier Owek. Andrew Byakutaga, hereditary heads such as Omukonda, Omupanyarwa, Omunywisa, Omujuura Kondo, Abajwarakondo, the keepers of Nyamyaro, and other Palace staff.
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 covered the royal tombs were replaced following requite cultural norms.
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