BKK endorses online culture contest with caveats
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK), Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, has expressed support for the growing trend of online cultural competitions but cautioned that such initiatives must be regulated jointly by both Bunyoro Kitara and Tooro Kingdoms to ensure linguistic and cultural accuracy.
He made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Muvawamu Achievers Association (MAA), who paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Kingdom Headquarters in Hoima City.
The delegation, led by CEO Mugisa Ahmadah Abraham, also included Ms. Kansiime Gorret, Mrs. Kogere, Mr. Lennox Mugume, and Mr. Joel Tinkasimire.
Online competitions welcomed but with conditions
Owek. Byakutaga commended the association for its efforts to engage young people through Runyoro Rutooro cultural and language competitions hosted on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X.
However, he stressed that cultural initiatives conducted across the two kingdoms require oversight from the Joint Runyoro Rutooro Language Board, which is chaired by Prof. Oswald Ndolerire and Dr. John Kintu.
According to the Prime Minister, the board originally formed in 1953 plays a central role in safeguarding orthography and scholarly standards for both languages. He noted that Runyoro Rutooro is now examinable at Senior Four and Senior Six, underscoring the need for credible cultural programming.
Concerns Over Authenticity and Long Term Value
The Prime Minister noted that while online competitions have become popular, they also run the risk of misrepresenting cultural content if left unregulated.
He argued that partnerships between cultural institutions and community groups remain essential to ensuring quality. He also indicated willingness to allocate space for a future BKK language library, following MAA’s pledge to donate books and educational materials.
MAA pushes for youth engagement
In his remarks, CEO Mugisa said the association was founded to promote culture and local languages while encouraging community driven development.
He highlighted “Gazihya Obwongo,” an online TikTok based competition that quizzes participants on Runyoro Rutooro history, language, and cultural norms. Winners receive land, cash prizes of 600,000 and 400,000 shillings, and additional gifts. This year marks the second edition of the competition.
Cultural officials call for revival of identity
BKK Special Cultural Advisor Owek. Hajj Burhan Kyakuhairwe Akiiki reiterated the importance of joint regulation, referencing linguistic studies showing that Runyoro and Rutooro differ by only 17 percent.
Meanwhile, the Culture and Social Services Officer, Owek. Rukahemura Akiiki, noted that the language once stretched across a broader region before historical disruptions weakened its spread. He described initiatives like MAA’s as steps toward reclaiming cultural identity, though not without the need for proper oversight.
MAA Secretary General Ms. Kansiime Gorret announced that the 2025 Runyoro Rutooro season will launch on 30 November 2025 on TikTok, with registration already underway.
