NELSON K
Prince Tugume Salim Idris, son of the late Nkakusigarira II, is set to be declared King of Ankole starting December 27, 2025, during the upcoming National Bahinda Reunion in Rwashameire, Kajara County, Ntungamo District.
Speaking during a Bahinda clan reunion held at the home of Mr. Charles Kyamugundu in Kyamucera Cell, Kahoko Parish, Nyakagyeme Subcounty, Rukungiri District, Prince Tugume called upon all Ankole region clans to raise their voices and demand the restoration of the Ankole Kingdom as a way of defending the region’s culture and future heritage.
Prince Tugume, a descendant of King Ntare Nyakusinga from the Batukurameisho Bahinda clan, expressed gratitude to the Bahinda clans from the Kigezi Subregion, especially those from Rukungiri-Mpororo and Kanungu, for turning up in large numbers to unite under one cultural cause.
“Let us be ambassadors of Ankole culture and mobilize for the forthcoming national Bahinda reunion. It is time for Ankole to reunite and reclaim its cultural pride,” Prince Tugume urged.
He emphasized the importance of preserving traditional beliefs and cultural norms, warning parents to raise their children with discipline, respect, and cultural identity for the future stability of families and marriages.
Prince Tugume expressed disappointment that, while other Ugandan kingdoms have been reinstated, Ankole remains without recognition despite having a rightful heir. He called for peace, unity, and cultural revival among the Bahinda, discouraging blind imitation of Western cultures that erode African traditions.
“Our culture is our pride. Let us strengthen it through peace, unity, and development,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Kyamugundu, the Bahinda clan chairperson for Kigezi Region and host of the reunion, thanked the Prince for visiting and engaging with Bahinda communities across Rukungiri, Mpororo, and Kanungu. He urged the clan to promote education, cultural awareness, and marriage values as key pillars of community development.
“Culture should not just be celebrated but practiced. We must raise children who know who they are,” Kyamugundu noted.
Mr. Sunday Steven, the Ankole and Diaspora Bahinda Clan Chairperson, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the Bahinda’s deep roots in Bachwezi ancestry.
“Bahinda are direct descendants of the Bachwezi. Let us proudly carry this heritage and educate our children about their cultural identity,” he said.
Mr. Sunday officially announced the upcoming event that will mandate Prince Tugume Salim Idris as the sixth Ntare and King of Ankole on December 27, 2025, at Rwashameire in Ntungamo District.
The colorful reunion also featured friendly tag-of-war competitions between Kanungu and Rukungiri teams, creating unity and excitement among the attendees. One of the major revelations for many was learning about the Bahinda’s Bachwezi origins, which sparked pride and renewed cultural consciousness.
