By Fred Muzaale
The Prime Minister of Bunyala cultural institution, Rev. Wilson Galimaka, has urged members of the Banyala community who conceal their ethnic identity to embrace their heritage, describing pride in one’s tribe as an important step towards preserving culture and history.
Rev. Galimaka made the remarks on July 18 while officiating as chief guest at the inter house Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) competitions at Brain Set High School in Kyerima, Kitimbwa Sub County, Kayunga District.
He said no tribe is superior or inferior to another and encouraged the Banyala to take pride in their identity instead of presenting themselves as members of other ethnic groups.
“You should be proud to be a Munyala because God did not make a mistake in creating you as such. All tribes are equal,” Rev. Galimaka said.
His remarks come amid concerns that some Banyala have adopted Baganda identities and Kiganda names, a trend cultural leaders say threatens the preservation of Banyala heritage and language.
To strengthen the community’s cultural identity, Rev. Galimaka pledged to work with stakeholders to identify teachers who can teach the Lunyala language in schools. He noted that many young Banyala are growing up without learning their mother tongue, putting the language at risk of disappearing.
He also appealed for peaceful coexistence between the Banyala and other communities living within Bunyala Kingdom, urging residents to respect one another’s cultures, traditions and rights.
Rev. Galimaka commended the administration of Brain Set High School for nurturing learners’ talents through Music, Dance and Drama, saying co-curricular activities have evolved beyond recreation and now offer viable career opportunities for young people in Uganda’s creative industry.
“I encourage other schools to invest in co-curricular activities because they help learners discover and develop talents that can become a source of livelihood,” he said.
The competitions featured performances in poetry recitation, mime, public speaking, folk songs, traditional dance and contemporary dance.
Students competed under four houses namely Ogwana, Kabalega, Salinge and Nana.
At the end of the competitions, Nana House emerged overall champion, followed by Salinge House in second place, Kabalega House in third, while Ogwana House finished fourth. Outstanding actors and actresses were recognised with certificates for their performances.
According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, the Banyala population stands at approximately 47,700, with the majority residing in Kayunga District. Cultural leaders have continued to encourage initiatives aimed at preserving the community’s language, customs and identity for future generations.
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