By Munini K. Mulera
Toronto, Canada
December 23, 2024
Like all organizations that are meant to last and be impactful, the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) was born after a long gestation period (okugir’enda) and labour (ebisha.) ICOB was neither a single person’s idea nor the work of a small group of people. The following is a personal recollection of the early years of the journey, adapted from past reports that I have written about ICOB.
I write this today, in the hope that it will broaden the minds of those who seek to revive and restore a vibrant Uganda Chapter of ICOB. I hope it will motivate them to create a new Community of Banyakigezi-Uganda Chapter (COB-Uganda Chapter) that will honour those who sowed the seeds of the former ICOB-Uganda Chapter. We all stand on broad shoulders of great men and women whose names may have vanished from the story, but whose ideas and work continue to shape our passion for transformative service to our homeland. Happily, many of them are alive and well.
In Kigezi N’Abantu Baamwo [Kigezi and its People], Mr. Paulo Ngorogoza wrote: “I would, in writing this, like to remind the settlers that even if they become rich and change their mother tongue, they should remember the proverb ‘Gatagata munonga gateebirwe wa beene mbeho. They must never forget the good customs and characteristics of the Bakiga, nor forget their own language; and they must feel in their bones that they are Bakiga, remembering where they used to live.”
Mr. Ngorogoza wrote his book in 1967. His reference to Bakiga alone was because they were predominantly the ones who had migrated from Kigyezi to other lands such as Nkore, Toro and Bunyoro in the preceding two decades. Had he been writing in 2024, Mr. Ngorogoza, one of the most visionary leaders Uganda produced, would have addressed himself to all Banyakigyezi and all Ugandans who had left their homelands.
Mr. Ngorogoza, the chief architect of the massive resettlement of Bakiga in Kinkizi, Nkore, Tooro and Bunyoro that began in 1946, believed that one did not cease to be a Munyakigyezi or to have an obligation to Kigyezi simply because one had moved to other lands and better opportunities. Once a Munyakigyezi, always a Munyakigyezi.
Had he been alive today, Mr. Ngorogoza, who died in 1984 at the age of about 87, would have been smiling with pride and satisfaction that numerous sons and daughters of Kigezi had heeded his message over the last six decades.
The visitor to Kigezi today is impressed by the near-complete disappearance of grass-thatched, mud-and-wattle houses, replaced with brick walls and corrugated iron or tiled roofs. He would be amazed by the growth of urban centres like Kabaare, Gisoro, Kanungu, Kihiihi, Rukungiri, Muhanga, and his beloved Bukinda. He would be delighted by the ease of transportation, with motorized vehicles everywhere, and easier access to villages in once impenetrable hills and valleys. He would smile at the multiple number of primary and secondary schools, new tertiary education centres, and other visible manifestations of our people’s hard work.
Yet Kigezi’s challenges remain enormous, including a high population density; inadequate basic education; a still high functional illiteracy rate; underperformance in national student examinations; a still poorly skilled labour force; emergence of new diseases, with insufficient health care facilities; declining agricultural productivity; worsening nutritional and other indicators of health; environmental degradation; lack of appropriate technology; alcohol and other drug dependency; poor access to market opportunities, partly occasioned by Kigezi’s geographic location far away from the commercial centre of Uganda; poor road transportation that lags behind neighbouring Ankole and Tooro; and lack of major central government-funded projects since the late 1960s.
Furthermore, the dispersion of Banyakigezi to distant lands has caused an erosion of their unique and great culture. Many Banyakigezi, especially those living outside our homeland, have forgotten their cultural practices and values. The younger generations of Banyakigezi stand the risk of assimilation into other cultures.
Recognizing these and other challenges in the 1990s, several Banyakigezi in North America began to express the desire to organize themselves into a strong and sustainable forum through which they could contribute to Kigyezi's development. They believed that while their culture of rugged individualism had enabled them to achieve a lot, the results of their efforts were unlikely to be sustainable without a collective and coordinated approach.
Among those who engaged in these early conversations in the 1990s, which would eventually lead to the gestation and birth of ICOB, were:
Beda Babwekyeka wa Bambaaga* – Toronto, Ontario
Peter Mwesigye Bikangaga – Toronto, Canada
Jeanette Bisamunyu – New York, New York
Andrew Katarikawe – Denver,Colorado
Grace Kobusingye wa Kamuhanda – Maryland
Charles Kwesiga – Cleveland, Ohio,
Florence Ntambi Tabaaro Mulera – Toronto, Ontario
Muniini Kwehangaana Mulera – Toronto, Ontario
Cliff Musiimenta - Windsor, Ontario
Gaston Ziine Ndyajunwoha* – Cleveland, Ohio
Languida Rama* – Albany, New York
*Now deceased
Discussions gained momentum in 2000 when it was suggested that an exploratory meeting be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the Easter weekend of 2001. Meanwhile, my wife and I, together with Jane Bayenda of Maryland, USA, requested Robert Kyamureesire Rutaagi to organize a meeting with some Banyakigyezi in Kampala during the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention that was to be held there in December of 2000.
Dr. Rutaagi, then Executive Director of the Uganda Export Promotion Board, readily agreed to facilitate such a meeting. On the evening of Wednesday January 4, 2001, a meeting was held in the Board Room of the Uganda Export Promotion Board in Kampala. It was chaired by Rutaagi and was attended by:
Amos Bakeine
Chris Bakiza
Jane Bayenda
Wilson Byarugaba
Charles Kabuga
Florence Ziine Kata
Godfrey Monday Katamujuna
Yoramu Tumuheirwe Kiiza
Ben Kiregyera
Sam Kwesiga
Florence Ntambi Tabaaro Mulera
Muniini Kwehangaana Mulera
Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile*
Henry Rwaganika
William Rwambura
Sabiiti
Balu Tabaaro wa Barugahare*
Avitas Tibarimbasa*
Alex Tindimubona*
James Tugume wa Magabo*
Emmanuel Turyamuhika Kikoni
*Now Deceased
The meeting was informed about a few of the non-government-funded projects that were already underway in Kigyezi. These included Kabale University, led by Justice George Kanyeihamba; Muko Iron Ore Development Company [MIDECO], led by Mr. Balu Tabaaro wa Barugahare; and Sustainable Modernization of Agriculture for Rural Transformation [SMART], led by Dr. Alex Tindimubona.
There was unanimous support for developing a mechanism for bringing together the sons and daughters of Kigyezi in a formal non-partisan organization with worldwide membership. The purpose would be to harness the community’s intellectual and material resources for the benefit of Kigyezi and Banyakigyezi.
It was agreed that the focus would be on human resource development; environment reclamation through efforts such as tree planting; and documentation of our history. The projects had to benefit Kigyezi although they did not have to be carried out by Banyakigyezi alone. The meeting proposed that the organization be called the Kigyezi Cultural and Education Trust.
Some of those present indicated an interest in attending the proposed meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. However, the meeting in Las Vegas did not take place, not only because there was no known Munyakigyezi in that city to organize it but also because two events conspired to weaken the Banyakigyezi’s collective motivation to proceed.
First, the 2001 presidential election in Uganda, which was mainly a contest between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye, was a hotly contested race, marred by violence. Many Banyakigyezi found themselves on opposite sides and, as usual, raw national politics exerted a negative influence on the ability of Banyakigyezi to come together despite political differences of opinion.
Second, the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington DC on September 11, 2001, dampened many people’s spirits and their desire to travel.
However, the turning point occurred in 2002. After a visit to Uganda, Dr. Grace Kobusingye muhara wa Kamuhanda Omunyakitumba, a paediatrician in in Maryland, USA, called me to share her observations about Kigyezi. She had been shocked by the levels of poverty and the state of health services in Kabaare. Dr. Kobusingye reminded me of the conversations we had had over the years and the verbal desires expressed by many to do something to help our kinsmen back home. I promised her that I would propose to our people in Toronto to facilitate a meeting of Banyakigyezi within one year.
That night, I shared Dr. Kobusingye’s report with Mr. Andrew Katarikawe Omurihira wa Kasheregyenyi, a lawyer in Denver, Colorado, who agreed that it was time to put our words and thoughts into action. He concurred with the idea of calling a meeting in Toronto.
I spoke with my wife, Florence, muhara w’Abaitira ba Nkore, a high school teacher in Toronto, who was totally committed to Kigyezi and Banyakigyezi. She challenged us to bring our dream to reality.
I then shared the idea with Mr. Nkunda Kabateraine mwijukuru wa Itaazya Omusigi wa Kakore, a lawyer in Toronto, Canada, whose pride in our homeland and commitment to our people was well known to me. He readily agreed.
We then shared the idea with Banyakigezi in Toronto, who agreed to proceed. Thus, was born the Kigezi-Canada Association Inc. (KCA), the first chapter of the future International Community of Banyakigezi.
Tragedy struck, for two of the great advocates of our union died before the first gathering in Toronto. Gaston Ziine Ndyajunwoha died in Cleveland, Ohio on March 25, 2001. He was 57. Beda Babwekyeka wa Bambaaga died on January 1, 2023. He was 56.
The founders of KCA were:
Godfrey Begumisa wa Ziine
Maureen Komuhangyi Bushuyu Bikangaga
Peter Mwesigye Bikangaga
Lynette Kemigisha Bushuyu
Crystal Bwegyesa
Jackson Bwejesa
Nkunda wa Kabateraine ka Itaazya
Palesa Thoahlane Kabateraine
Happy Gertrude Kampirwa
Jackie Masozera Kaweesa
Rose Birungyi Kazibwe
Florence Ntambi Tabaaro Mulera
Muniini Kwehangaana Mulera
Millie Nshuti
Annette Night Ntegyereize
Ivan Nuwagaba
Venance Tirwakunda
Esther Tumusiime*
Silver Tweyongyere
*Now deceased
KCA organized the first international convention of Banyakigyezi, held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto from July 3 to 7, 2003. In spite of the epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS] which scared people from visiting Toronto in the spring and summer of 2003, and a huge misinformation campaign by some of our compatriots in North America and Uganda who sought to undermine our efforts by claiming that ours was a political agenda in the service of Dr. Besigye, the meeting was attended by 74 (seventy four) registered delegates who came from Canada, USA, UK and Uganda.
The delegates from Uganda, sent by President Museveni himself, included George Mondo Kagonyera, Jim Katuguugu Muhwezi, Hope Mwesigye wa Ruhindi, Kale Kayihura, and Robert Kyamureesire Rutaagi. Michael Akampurira wa Bushuyu, a lawyer in Kampala, attended by his own choice and at his own cost. Banyakigyezi from different ethnic communities (Abakiga, Abahororo, Abafumbira and Abanyarwanda), different religions and different political leanings and visions came together in fellowship. They were joined by friends from Bunyoro, who shared freely in one of the most uninhibited but respectful discussions and debates about the Banyoro-Bakiga tensions in Kibaale District.
On the evening of July 5, 2003, the delegates were joined by 82 friends of Kigyezi (from various parts of Africa) at a banquet that celebrated friendship and symbolized a firm belief in the brotherhood of Africans.
The delegates agreed to form an organization to be called the International Community of the Banyakigezi (ICOB). ICOB’s mission would be to promote the culture and socio-economic development of Banyakigyezi in Uganda and the Diaspora. ICOB would be a non-profit, non-partisan organisation. It would consist of an Apex International Organization with strong regional chapters. Full membership would be open to all Banyakigezi who paid a membership fee. There would be associate membership for non-Banyakigyezi who supported the mission of ICOB.
The organization would also build partnerships with other entities, such as the Bafuruki Organization in Uganda, based on projects or programs mutually acceptable to the parties. The Kigezi-Canada Association Inc. would be used as the starting point for building the international organization.
A working group [Interim Board] was elected, composed of:
Frank Byamugisha – Washington DC, Chairperson
Michael Akampurira – Kampala, Member
Beatrice Hamujuni-Smith – London, Member
Nkunda Kabateraine – Toronto, Member
Andrew Katarikawe – Denver, Member
Elvis Muhaabwa – Greenville, SC, Member
Muniini K. Mulera – Toronto, Member
The group was directed by the convention to develop the Bylaws of ICOB, register the organization, develop a proposal for establishing a Kigyezi Education Fund, create an internet discussion forum for Banyakigyezi, and a website for the organization. It was also agreed that the conventions of ICOB would become annual events, with the second one to be held in Washington DC in July 2004.
Within months of the Toronto convention, ICOB was registered, the bylaws were drafted, an Internet discussion forum was up and running, the organization’s website continued grow under the expertise of Mr. Johnson Mujungu, a draft proposal for the design and operation of the Kigezi Education Fund (KEF) was developed by Dr. Eustacius Betubiza, and two new chapters of ICOB were formed.
The USA chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Byamugisha, established its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The United Kingdom chapter, under the leadership of Mr. Godfrey Byaruhanga and Ms. Beatrice Hamujuni-Smith, established its base in London.
Another tragedy struck when Languida Rama, one of the brains behind the birth of ICOB, died in Albany, New York on February 4, 2004. She was two months shy of turning 50. Her death due to a motor accident shook us to the core but challenged us to fulfil the dream that was very dear to her.
ICOB became a formal reality during the weekend of July 2-4, 2004, when over 170 people from Britain, Canada, Denmark, Uganda and the USA, gathered in Washington DC for the second annual convention of Banyakigyezi. The Banyakigyezi in Washington DC organised an outstanding convention that was a mixture of serious business and joyful celebration of culture and friendship.
The delegates, representing various nationalities, including Acholi, African Americans, Abafumbira, Abaganda, Abahima, Abahororo, Abajungu (Europeans), Abakiga, Abanyarwanda, Abanyoro, Abatooro, Jopadhola and Lango, came together in fellowship to celebrate Kigyezi and to contribute a little to Kigyezi. The keynote speaker was Mr. Moses Kiwe Sebunya, Vice Chairman of the Uganda Investment Authority and member of the Buganda Land Board.
Other speakers included retired Anglican Bishop William Rukirande of the Diocese of Kigezi; Monsignor Fr. Bagumisiriza; Hon. Jack Sabiiti, MP [Rukiga], Hon. Capt. Charles Byaruhanga, MP [Kibaale], Hon. Norbert Mao, MP [Gulu Municipality]; Ms. Rosette Serwanga, President of the Uganda North American Association [UNAA]; Dr. W. James Appleyard, President of the World Medical Association; Dr. Richard Otto, Professor of Finance at PACE University, New York City; and Mr. Eskinder Negash, Chief Operating Officer, Immigration and Refugee Services of America.
The main outcomes of the convention were the formal launch of ICOB and the Kigezi Education Fund, and a collective agreement to mobilize the international community of Banyakigyezi towards a common goal of service to our homeland.
The purpose of the Kigezi Education Fund would be to support vocational training of young Banyakigyezi, especially graduates of primary and secondary schools, to enhance their employability in the region and to offer investors in Kigezi a readily available pool of well-trained artisans.
ICOB and the Education Fund would be administered by a Board of Directors which was elected at the Washington Convention. The Board consisted of:
Frank Byamugisha - President
Muniini K. Mulera – Vice President
Beatrice Hamujuni-Smith – Secretary
Eustacius Betubiza – Treasurer
Christine Nakato Kalebu Nteireho – Assistant Secretary
Ann Bunyenyezi Karasanyi – Assistant Treasurer
Nkunda Kabateraine – Legal Advisor
Andrew Katarikawe – Legal Advisor
Elvis Muhaabwa – Member.
Dr. Byamugisha worked for the World Bank, where he was the manager in the Africa Region with the responsibility for overseeing quality and impact of World Bank operations in the sectors of agriculture, rural development, the environment, post-conflict and social development.
Dr. Muniini K. Mulera was a Consultant Neonatologist in Toronto, who had previously taught paediatric medicine at the University of Toronto. Ms. Hamujuni-Smith was a Director with the Northwest London Strategic Health Authority and Managing Director, Premier Care Services Ltd, London, England. Dr. Betubiza was a Senior Rural Finance Specialist at the World Bank, covering Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He advised governments on setting up and improving Commodity Exchanges, Crop and Livestock insurance programs, structured finance, strengthening Micro Finance Systems and promoting Long Term Rural Investment Lending.
Mr. Katarikawe was Assistant Attorney General of Colorado, USA. He represented Colorado in civil litigation. Mr. Kabateraine was a barrister and solicitor in private legal practice in Toronto, Canada. Mrs Karasanyi was Senior Executive Assistant, Office of the Director for Strategy and Operations and The Chief Economist, Africa Region, the World Bank, Washington, DC.
Mrs. Nteireho, an accountant and Information Systems professional, was a Foreign Service Auditor at USAID, the State Department, Washington DC. Mr. Muhaabwa was a counsellor in the State Male Correctional Institution, Greenville, South Carolina, USA, and a pastor with the Redemption World Outreach Centre, a non-denominational church in Greenville, South Carolina.
On Monday July 19, 2004, the Board met via teleconference and appointed Mr. Joseph Angole, an economic consultant with the International Finance Corporation in Washington, DC, to be the Fundraising Coordinator of the Kigezi Education Fund (KEF). Mr. Angole, a native of Lango, who was based in Washington DC, was also the Vice-President of ICOB-USA Chapter.
The Board also appointed Dr. Eustacius Betubiza, ICOB’s treasurer, to be the Implementation Coordinator for the KEF.
The Board’s first plan of action was to embark on an aggressive fundraising campaign for the Education Fund, building on very generous donations that had already come from many people, including Bank of Uganda Governor Tumusiime Mutebile, businessman Amos Nzeyi, Dr. Grace Kobusingye, Dr. Wilson Kazibwe, Enterprise Data Management, Dr. Richard Otto of New York, Mrs. Mary Rutamwebwa Mugyenyi, MP [Nyabushozi], G.K.K. Group of Companies [Uganda], Grace Babukiika and Twaha Bukenya, Alyce and John Byamukama, Peter and Maureen Bikangaga, and all the ICOB Board members.
The Board would also work with Kigyezi’s political and business leaders to [1] develop strategies for promoting business and investment opportunities in the districts of Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro and Rukungiri; [2] to lobby the Uganda government for expedited investments in major capital projects in Kigyezi, including roads and an airport; and [3] to promote tourism in what was easily one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Above all, ICOB would promote the spirit of volunteerism among Banyakigyezi, recognizing that as beneficiaries of the sacrifice and commitment of those who had come before us, we had a duty to give back to Kigyezi. And we would do so with honour, transparency, and accountability.
Twenty-one years later, ICOB continues to pursue the dream of its founders. Its leaders continue to strive to live up to the expectations of our great Patron, Omugurusi Paulo Ngorogoza wa Bangirana Omwinika w’Abamuhutu ba Rwanyana.
We honour those who conceived the idea that became the International Community of Banyakigezi. We remember, with special gratitude, those who have died in the intervening years. May we, and future generations, fulfil their aspirations and expand their legacy.
© Muniini K. Mulera