The 10th Annual Convention of the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) by Davis Owomugisha
The International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) held its 10th Annual Convention on December 27, 2024, at Maizimera Resort in Kanungu District. The event attracted distinguished guests and participants from various sectors, with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presiding as the guest of honor. The convention centered around the theme, “Building Partnerships for Socio-Economic Transformation of Kigezi,” which emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration for the progress of the region.
In his keynote address, President Museveni praised the establishment of ICOB as a significant effort to unify the people of Kigezi. He noted the association’s pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among its members. Reflecting on the region's abundant natural resources, the President called on the people of Kigezi to address persistent poverty and improve living standards. He underscored the importance of socio-economic transformation, highlighting disparities in life expectancy between Uganda and developed countries like Japan.
President Museveni raised concerns about the rising school dropout rates in Kanungu, which currently stand at 40%. He appealed to parents and community leaders to prioritize education for all children, emphasizing that education is a universal right and a critical factor in socio-economic progress.
On agriculture, the President provided practical advice for residents with small land holdings. He recommended intensive farming methods that maximize productivity, including dedicating land to coffee, fruits, livestock, and food crops. He discouraged the cultivation of tea on small plots due to its low profitability and urged the community to explore viable alternatives such as fish farming in swamp areas.
During the convention, Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire, the Deputy National Treasurer of the National Resistance Movement, presented accolades to notable sons and daughters of Kigezi in recognition of their exemplary leadership and service. Among the honorees were President Museveni, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Dr. Amos Nzeyi, and posthumous awards for Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile and Mrs. Peninah Ngategize. These individuals were celebrated for their significant contributions to the country and the region.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, provided updates on the state of infrastructure development in Kigezi. He highlighted completed road projects, including the Kabale-Rubanda-Kisoro Road and the Ntungamo-Kagamba-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Kanungu Road. He also announced roads with secured funding, such as the Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi Road, which includes the introduction of two ferries to enhance connectivity.
Dr. Baryomunsi also identified roads requiring urgent funding, including the Kanungu-Rugyeyo-Nyakishenyi-Kisiizi-Rubale Road, and assured attendees of the government’s commitment to addressing these infrastructure gaps.
Eng. Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, the Kanungu District Chairperson, presented a detailed account of the district’s achievements and challenges. He expressed gratitude for government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model, which allocated UGX 20.24 billion for community development, and the Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project, valued at UGX 200 billion. He noted the ongoing rehabilitation of Kambuga Hospital, which requires an additional UGX 43 billion to reach completion.
Kajojo raised concerns about the declining tea industry, which has been negatively impacted by falling prices. He called for government intervention to stabilize the market and support farmers. Other challenges discussed included the delayed payments of UGX 61 billion owed to nursery bed operators and the need to establish a municipality in Kihihi Town Council to enhance governance and development.
Dr. John Bahana, the Chairman of ICOB, reflected on the organization’s founding in 2009 and its mission to preserve the identity and heritage of the Banyakigezi community. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the region’s development goals. Lydia Tusingwire, the Executive Coordinator of ICOB, reiterated that the organization remains non-political and is committed to promoting community welfare.
Grace Mugabirwe Mutebire, Chairperson of the ICOB Uganda Chapter, welcomed attendees and emphasized the need for cultural preservation and socio-economic development. She announced the launch of the Paulo Ngorogoza Scholarship Fund, which aims to support underprivileged students, particularly girls, in pursuing higher education.
The convention concluded with a call for continued collaboration among leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to improve the socio-economic landscape of Kigezi. President Museveni pledged to send ICOB members to Ngoto Farm in Moroto to learn about effective swamp utilization and announced plans for the construction of an airport in Kihiihi to boost tourism in the region.
The 10th Annual ICOB Convention marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform Kigezi. With a strong focus on education, infrastructure development, agriculture, and cultural preservation, the event underscored the need for collective action to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for the region.
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