08/06/2025
The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (BKK) Successfully Hosted The Empango Run On June 7, 2025, Ahead Of Its 31st Coronation Anniversary. Thousands Of Runners From All 15 Counties Within The Kingdom And Beyond Participated In The Event. The Run Received Support From Ten Key Sponsors, Including UNOC, NFA, Jonard Conglomerate, State House, HB Hotel, Golden Castle, Enviroserv, Kinyara Sugar, Albert Sports Center, And Oil Land Company. Additionally, Numerous Organizations, Community Groups, And Individuals Contributed To The Initiative.
BKK Prime Minister, Owek Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, Officially Flagged Off The Race. After The Run, Attending Leaders Delivered Brief Remarks To Encourage The Participants. Prime Minister Ateenyi Expressed Heartfelt Gratitude To All Sponsors And Participants, Emphasizing That The Empango Run Aims To Support Health Initiatives In The Region, As Guided By His Royal Highness Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I. This Year's Proceeds Will Fund A Cancer-Screening Machine For Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
The Prime Minister Cautioned Against Adding Political Logos Or Party Colors To The Race Kits, Stating, "This Run Is Cultural And InclusiveβOpen To Everyone, Regardless Of Political Affiliation, Religion, Or Cultural Background." Only Official Sponsors' Logos Are Featured On The Event Kits.
Prime Minister Ateenyi Also Invited Everyone To Return To The Orukurato Garden For The 31st Coronation Anniversary Celebration, Where The Guest Of Honor Is Expected To Be His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President Of The Republic Of Uganda.
Following The Empango Run, Prime Minister Ateenyi Inaugurated The Omweso Tournament, Organized In Collaboration With Kitara Media Group. He Explained That Omweso Promotes Critical Thinking, Calculation, And Camaraderie, And Noted Its Origins In The Bacwezi Dynasty. He Encouraged Participants To Champion Its Revival In Bunyoro-Kitara And Local Schools.
Reverend Kitalibara Thanked All Participants And Announced The Top Four Winners, Who Will Receive Their Awards At The Coronation Anniversary:
1. Champion: Mr. Isabirye Tom
2. Second Place: Mr. Lino Galdino
3. Third Place: Mr. Katongole Ronald
4. Fourth Place: Mr. Sam Baker
The Events Concluded With Performances By Bunyoro-Kitara Musicians, Including Jessy Nector, Jahboy, Baby Alicia, Shantel Jovial, Matrix, Lee Nevix, And Many More.