President Yoweri Museveni has this afternoon presided over the 14th anniversary coronation of the Sabaruli of Buruli, Isabalongo Butamanya Costantine Mwogezi.
The celebrations that were witnessed by thousands of people, took place atLwabiyata Primary School grounds in Lwabiyata Sub-County, Budyebo County in Nakasongola district.
While congratulating the Isabaruli and his institution for working hard to preserve the culture, norms and the language of the Baruli that he said had faced extinction, the President said the National Resistance Movement believes in preserving the culture and language of all Ugandans and the equality of all citizens
He added that it was for that reason that the Movement supported there-institution of several traditional and cultural institutions countrywide.
Mr. Museveni said that for the case of the Baruli and in order to promote the Rurulilanguage, the government established a national radio in Buruli that is dedicated to Baruli programmes.
He expressed happiness that the Baruli had allowed Ugandans who speak other languages to use the radio.
President Museveni used the occasion to warn landlords, who have continued to evict Bibanja holders from their Bibanja.
He reminded those doing it that the act is illegal because the land law protects Bibanja holders.
He said government is mobilising funds to pay all landlords so that Bibanja holders can stay on their land peacefully.
He, therefore, instructed the Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Dan Muganga, to stop all forms of evictions as government works out compensating the landlords.
On the fishing industry the President warned the Baruli and other fishing communities against poor fishing methods that have seen most of Ugandan lakes depleted of fish stocks leading to closure of some fish factories.
He urged the Ugandan fishing communities, especially those staying near the lakes to safeguard the lakes from further destruction through over fishing activities.
He observed that although Buruli is rich and blessed with several water bodies,specific interventions such as the promotion of irrigation, the use of fertilizers on top of resolving the land ownership question, were necessary to propel productivity and development of the area.
He pledged to support Buruli Kingdom Shs200 million to support Buruli Kingdom and a further Shs50million to the youth SACCO.
Isabaruli Butamanya Mwogezi told the President that the rampant evictions of the Baruli from their ancestral land had turned the people into destitute.
He urged the President to intervene in the matter and called for increased security in the area due to a surge in robbery and theft of animals.