UGANDA, Nakasongola | Real Muloodi News | The Nakasongola District Council has approved a proposed boundary demarcation plan for Nakasongola City, incorporating significant Buruuli identity features. This plan, aimed at achieving city status, has been submitted to relevant government departments, including Parliament and the Ministry of Local Government.
The proposed Nakasongola City will comprise two divisions: Buruuli and Kakooge. The current Nakasongola District local government will form part of the Budyebo constituency.
The inclusion of the Buruuli name for one of the city divisions is a notable feature of the plan, intended to preserve the cultural identity of the Buruuli people.
“We have two divisions: Buruuli and Kakooge. Naming one division Buruuli is strategic and will help keep the Buruuli cultural identity alive in the new city plan,” said Mr Rogers Sande Bwanga, the Nakasongola District Council speaker.
Mr. Bernard Kirya Ssekyanzi, MP for Budyebo County, supported the new boundary plan but noted concerns from some villages within his constituency.
Residents of Kabuye, Kyabaganga, and Isegero, many of whom are squatters, fear potential eviction under the new city plan.
“A section of residents are worried about losing their land. While the concerns are genuine, we believe in dialogue and are consulting on the likely implications,” Mr. Ssekyanzi said.
Mr. Samuel Kasirye, Prime Minister of Buruuli Chiefdom, emphasized the importance of preserving Buruuli cultural identity amidst development.
“We are not against development for the people of Buruuli, but we urge our people to defend their identity from cultural erosion,” he stated.
Nakasongola (Buruuli) is constitutionally part of the Buganda Kingdom, one of its 18 counties. However, the Buruuli cultural leadership claims independence, leading to a long-standing push for secession, which the Buganda Kingdom opposes.
The Nakasongola District leaders propose that the district headquarters remain in the Nakasongola Town Council.
Despite financial constraints recently highlighted by the Ministry of Local Government, local leaders are preparing for the operationalization of Nakasongola City.
The proposed Buruuli Division will encompass eight parishes with 56 villages/cells. The parishes include: Kyamuyingo, Kiwongoire, Sasira, Wampiti, Kageri, Wabigalo, Sikye, Wajala, Nakasongola West Ward and Nakasongola East Ward
Kakooge Division will consist of 14 parishes and 81 villages/cells. The parishes include: Kyabutayika, Kyambogo, Kyeyindula, Kyankonwa, Bamusuta, Kakooge Central, Kabaale Ward, Kakooge North Ward, Kibira Ward, South Ward, Katuugo Central, North Ward, Kilaramba and Kamuniina
The plan for Nakasongola City, with its emphasis on maintaining cultural identity and addressing local concerns, awaits further approval and implementation.
Local leaders are hopeful that the new city status will bring development while preserving the unique heritage of the Buruuli people.
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