Kasese @ 50: Its Creation, Tumultuous Journey of Resilience and Conviction

Situated in western Uganda at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kasese has a rich history that informed its creation more than five decades ago. Today, as Kasese celebrates its belated 50th anniversary at Nyakasanga Stadium, we invite you to join us as we unravel some beats of this fascinating history.



Background

Unlike other parts of Uganda, such as Ankole, Buganda, Bunyoro, and Tooro, the people of Kasese did not have a centralized authority. The Bakonzo, the indigenous majority ethnic community, lived under decentralized chiefdoms led by native chiefs (Isemalhambo), who provided leadership and mobilized their people towards noble causes. 

Living around the Rwenzori Mountain range in both Uganda and the DRC, the Bakonzo and Banande (collectively known as the Bayiira) enjoyed strong socio-cultural and familial ties. They spoke the same language, engaged in similar economic activities, and shared common lifestyles, including dining traditions. Although the Bakonzo were not native subjects of the Tooro Kingdom, they initially enjoyed cordial relations. 

Notably, at the height of the conflict between Bunyoro and Tooro, a Mukonzo chief named Ruhandika provided refuge to a Tooro prince who later became king. In 1900, the Omukama of Tooro signed an agreement with the British colonial administration, six years after Uganda became a British Protectorate. This agreement gave Tooro semi-autonomous powers and allowed it to dominate neighboring communities. 

As a result, Kasese and Bundibugyo were incorporated into the Tooro Kingdom, a situation that lasted until 1974 when President Idi Amin declared them separate districts—Rwenzori (Kasese) and Semuliki (Bundibugyo). 

Early Advocates for a Separate District

Buried together in a single grave at Kagando (present-day Kisinga Town Council) are three men—Tibamwenda, Kapolyo, and Nyamutswa—who staged the first armed rebellion against Tooro Kingdom between 1919 and 1921. They resisted forced assimilation into Tooro culture, compulsory use of the Rutooro language, forced labor, and heavy taxation (Jorgensen, 1981). 

The rebellion, known as the Abayora Revolt, ended when the trio were captured, summarily tried, executed, and buried in a mass grave—a move that instilled fear and resentment among the local population (Sembeguya Report, 1962). According to Mr. Yofesi Masereka (alias Richman), these three men laid the foundation for the creation of Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, despite the districts being established 53 years after their deaths.

“Before food is ready, there are those who gather firewood, others who light the fire, the cooks who prepare the food, and finally those who serve it. Tibamwenda, Kapolyo, and Nyamutswa were the firewood gatherers in our journey to district status,” Mr. Masereka explained. He added that their burial in a mass grave, considered abominable by Bakonzo customs, exposed the cruelty of the Tooro administration and planted the seeds of resistance that later grew into the Rwenzururu Movement.  

The Emergence of the Rwenzururu Movement 

By 1962, Mr. Cosmas Mukonzo represented Katwe Sub-county in the Tooro Kingdom's Rukurato (parliament). As Uganda approached independence, representatives from Bwamba (Bundibugyo), Bunyangabu, and Busongora (Kasese) met at Nyakatonzi Growers Union Offices to strategize on resisting discrimination by Tooro Kingdom. 

Their resolutions included demands for equal representation in the kingdom's cabinet and recognition of languages like Lhukonzo, Lhubwisi, and Kwamba. However, when presented to the Rukurato on June 30, 1962, the proposals were rejected. Only “pure” Batooro were deemed eligible for key positions.

In protest, 21 delegates walked out. The government further inflamed tensions by arresting Yeremia Kawamara, Peter Mupalya, and Isaya Mukirania, charging them with treason. While some leaders pursued dialogue, Isaya Mukirania launched an armed rebellion, founding the 



Rwenzururu Movement and declaring secession from Tooro Kingdom. 

Meanwhile, Uganda gained independence with Kabaka Edward Muteesa as president and Milton Obote as prime minister. Later, a group led by Mukonzo was summoned to Kigezi, where they were asked to abandon the struggle, but they insisted on establishing a new district first. Two weeks later, about 25 leaders were arrested and detained without trial. While many returned to teaching professions, Mukirania expanded the movement, setting up a “parallel government” in the mountains. --- 



President Idi Amin's Role 

According to Mr. Siira Nduru, the Rwenzururu Movement continued resisting until President Obote was overthrown in 1971. > "Obote had not only refused to recognize Rwenzururu but abolished all kingdoms in Uganda. He split Busongora into two counties—Bukonzo and Busongora—which still form parts of Kasese," Mr. Nduru explained. After Amin’s coup, district advocates regrouped. A delegation of 20 leaders—including Daudi Isebiira Muhindo and Blasio Matte—met President Amin at Parliament in Kampala. They pleaded for a district free of Tooro administration. President Amin promised to visit Busongora personally. --- 



The 1973 Meeting in Kasese

Amin’s visit took place around 1973 at Margherita Hotel, where he met a delegation of 45 people from Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Kabarole. The Tooro Kingdom’s representatives, including Princess Bagaya and Prince Kaboyo, opposed the split, citing potential disadvantages. However, the Kasese and Bundibugyo delegation emphasized systemic exclusion from social services, particularly education. Amin later decided in favor of creating Semuliki (Bundibugyo) and Rwenzori (Kasese) districts. 

According to Dr. Nathaniel Walemba of Rwenzori International University, Amin hoped the creation of new districts would neutralize the Rwenzururu Movement. When the Kingdom, under Charles Wesley Mumbere, refused to descend from the mountains, Amin launched military operations but failed. Semuliki and Rwenzori districts were officially established in 1974. --- 

Why the Name Change? 

Following Amin's overthrow, President Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa initiated efforts to reduce tribalism by renaming districts based on major towns rather than ethnic groups. Thus, Rwenzori became Kasese, and Semuliki became Bundibugyo between 1979 and 1980.

Delegates Who Met President Amin in 1973 

1. Cosmas Mukonzo 2. Emilio Kibingo 3. Arnest Bakali 4. Lazaro Makoma 5. Blasio Matte 6. Erisa Nzike 7. Daudi Muhindo 8. Adam Kisughu 9. Eria Kambere 10. Zabuloni Bithaba 11. Abdallah Kitalemire 12. Phinehas Kisokeranio 13. Muhamood Baluku 14. Yofesi Masereka 15. Ezron Sajjabi