The area covered by the above districts is coterminous with the traditional Bunyoro Kingdom.[1]Milton Obote[2] abolished the traditional kingdoms in Uganda in 1967. When Yoweri Museveni[3] re-established them in 1993, Bunyoro re-constituted itself.
The sub-region is home mainly to the Banyoro ethnic group. The people of Bunyoro are called Banyoro (singular: Munyoro). The Banyoro speak Runyoro, a Bantu language. Runyoro closely related to Rutooro, spoken by the people of the neighboring Toro sub-region. The language is often referred to as Runyoro/Rutooro..
According to the 2002 national census, the Bunyoro sub-region was home to an estimated 0.75 million people at that time.[4]
Ethnicity and language
The Banyoro[5] people, also known as Nyoro[6] / Bakitara, are a Bantu ethnic group native to the kingdom of Bunyoro in Uganda. They live in settlements on a well-watered and fertile plateau, in western Uganda, east of Lake Mobutu. The region comprises the districts of Buliisa, Hoima,[7] Kibaale, Kiryandongo and Masindi. They speak the Nyoro language, also known as Runyoro. In the Paluo area of northern Bunyoro, a language related to the Luo language is also spoken.
The Bunyoro Kingdom[1] was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Central and East Africa from the 13th century to the 19th century. Today, the kingdom is one of the administrative regions that make up the modern Republic of Uganda, and it is ruled by the King (Omukama) of Bunyoro-Kitara.
Culture and society
The Banyoro people reside in settlements across their region, with clan systems remaining integral to their social structure. In each family, the father holds a position of authority as the "mukama" or master/ head of the household, overseeing family members and possessions.
Traditionally, the Banyoro are agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, bananas, and yams, and raising livestock, especially goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. They also preserve their culture through traditional dances, music, and storytelling.
Major cities and towns
The largest city in Bunyoro is Hoima city.[8] Others include Buliisa, Kibaale, Kiryandongo,and Masindi[9]
Tourism
Bunyoro has a great deal of tourist attractions including:
Bugoma Central Forest Reserve.
Mparo tombs
Omukama's palace at Karuzika
Chimpanzee Sanctuary and wildlife conservation Hoima.
The Empaako ( Pet name)
Munsa Fort
Igayaza Chwezi historical sites with foot prints of Ndahura (the first Cwezi king) and that of his dog
Murchision falls national park
Tonya-Kabwoya wildlife reserve
St. Andrea Kaahwa ( The martyr commonly) known as Andrew Kaggwa
Nyante river at Kikwaya a point where omukama Kabalega's cattle perished
The tomb of king Duhaga at Kakumiro
Demographics
The 2024 Uganda[10] national population and housing census projected Bunyoro to be with a population of 2,792,732 people.
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