Banyakigezi Community Comes to Boston This Weekend
By Rebecca Harshbarger–
Several hundred abanyakigezi in the diaspora and their friends will converge this weekend for a convention in Boston. Following a tradition of meeting abroad that began in Canada and continues today as the ninth convention, the Banyakigezi community will strategize on developing their region in southwestern Uganda and share research, as well as enjoy a sunset cruise and entertainment by musicians like Grace Nakimera and Batabazi.
The convention will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, and as many as four hundred people may attend.
Douglas Rutagwera, one of the convention's organizers.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the Banyakigezi come from all over the world,” said Douglas Rutagwera, who is running for a secretary position with the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB). “There are two main purposes why we come together. One, to make friends and meet old friends. But most importantly, we’re not just a charity organization but an organization with a common interest in the development of the region.”
The theme for this year is derived from a Rukiga saying “agetereine nigo gata eigufa,” which means teeth that come together beak the bone, or that combined efforts enable us to achieve great things. The organizers shortened this saying to “ageteirene,” or let us come together.
The convention will begin this Thursday, with welcome receptions for both Banyakigezi youth and adults. Registration begins at 4 p.m., and the receptions at 8:30 p.m. “The international community of Banyakigezi focuses a lot on the youth, they’re our future,” said Ruth Ndyabahika, the ICOB Boston chairperson. “Many of them don’t know Uganda,our home, and are learning about it through us.”
On Friday, Ndyabahika will open the convention with remarks and a conference overview. Frank Byamugisha, the president of ICOB, will give an overview of the organization, its past achievements and where the organization hopes to go in the future. The audience will take part in a discussion, and then enjoy a presentation by Joshua Goldstein on myths and facts about immigration.
Ruth and Apolo Ndyabahika are dedicated to the international Banyakigezi community.
Professor Joseph Rukanshagiza will give a talk on the impact of the development of Kigezi on Uganda’s larger economic development. Anthony Ayebare will give a talk on the challenges faced by the Batwa people, and Jackson Kaguri will discuss sustainable solutions for Kigezi’s problems.
Many of the issues that will be raised are very close to the convention organizers’ hearts. For Apolo Ndyabahika, high at the top of his concerns are family planning and health practices. “A lot of women don’t have access to any health amenities,” he told Ugandans Abroad in a phone interview. “A lot of women are dying because of that.”
Bakiga girls back home. Free Uganda.
1.2 million people lived in Bakiga when the 2002 census took place, and is made up of three districts: Rakungiri, Kabale, and Kanungu. There are hospitals in Rakungiri and Kabale, as well as health centres, but many lack personnel and medicine.
Later on Friday afternoon, the convention will shift topics to religion, with Professor Canon James Ndyabahika addressing the impact of African-initiaited churches on western Uganda. The group will then take time to network on a sunset boat cruise on Boston’s harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, listening to performances by Ugandan artists.
Staying active on issues affecting Uganda is crucial for Ruth Ndyabahika.
On Saturday, more discussions will follow in the morning, with Mary Nyakuhirwa giving an update on Kitas, and Pius Bigirimana speaking on the role of civil society organizations in developing Uganda. Later that morning, the former finance minister of Uganda, Ezra Suruma, will talk about the tea industry in Kigezi. After lunch, a panel moderated by Apollo Ndyabahika will be held on landslides and alcohol poisoning in Kigezi, and a large banquet dinner will follow.
At the dinner, the youth will do a special presentation, and the audience will enjoy a fashion show. Dancing will follow to artists Grace Nakimera, Batabazi, and music by DJ Clein, a Ugandan-American DJ from New Jersey. Finally, on Sunday, the group will enjoy a tour of Boston, a cookout in Waltham, and a farewell dance.
Surprising hugs at the Banyakigezi Convention in Uganda.
Previous conventions in past have been known for breaking news. The first ICOB convention to be held in Uganda was held last December, in Kabale. Over 450 delegates attended, including President Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye, president of the Forum for Democratic Change, a major opposition party, as well as special elders in the community, Omugurusi Festo Karwemera and Omugurusi Nathan Bisamanyu.
At one point, the vice-president of ICOB, Muniini K. Mulera, asked the NRM Minister of Agriculture, Hope Mwesigye, to embrace Besigye, and the two did. Other political opponents and religious leaders also shared hugs, conveying a message of nonpartisanship.
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Dear ICOB,
Greetings from Kampala and thanks for the great work you are doing. All the best for the convention and wonderful deliberations.
Hullo abanyakigezi, thanks for the good work you are doing.
there are some abanyakigezi like me who are in neighboring countries like tanzania, kenya and many others, how best can we be members and work together?
Thanks very
mukama abarinde
Great work BC,
We’ve have a daughter named Emilia Ageteirene meaning the same. Abanyakigezi where can we touch/see your efforts in the EA region? seeing is believing. At home, we are very eager to support your initiatives especially in the health sector.