Engabu Za Tooro awards personalities who have been consistently supporting its activities

Group photo of Engabu Za Tooro AGM members

Engabu Za Tooro Annual General Meeting which took place today 31^st March, 2019 at Engabu Za Tooro main offices at Kabundaire, Fort Portal has passed a resolution to award personalities who have consistently supported Engabu Za Tooro activities like inscription of Empaako and Koogere oral traditions to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The people going to be awarded are Kabaganda Imelda Balinda, Isaaya Kalya Atwoki, Joseph Byaruhanga Akiiki, Mukwano Ssenyonjo, Moses Kigambo Araali, Clovis Makune, Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali, Dan Rubombora, Yosamu Rubombora Ntanywine, Sanyu Vincent, Peter Makune, Nyamabuga Self-Help Orphans project, Sylvia Karungi, Sebastiano Kagaba, Mugabo Stephen and Mwesige Zebidayo.

Stephen Rwagweri Atwoki speaking at the AGM 2019

The list was generated by Engabu Za Tooro staff, recommended by Engabu Za Tooro Board of Directors meeting held on Saturday, 30^th March, 2019 and approved by Engabu Za Tooro Annual General Meeting on 31^st March, 2019.

The Annual General Meeting attended by over 100 people from Tooro, Bunyoro, Butuku, Busongora and Kampala also passed resolutions to allow Engabu Za Tooro host an International Conference in Fort Portal in partnership with The International Council of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) slated for May 31^st to June 3^rd, 2019.

Widow of late L.T Rubongoya contributing to the Tutemu Engaro Fund

Engabu Za Tooro Annual General Meeting also agreed to support writers of books on Runyoro – Rutooro language publish their books and the support will begin with “Naho Nuho Book” written by late L.T Rubongoya, take atleast two people to UNESCO global meetings annually like cultural artists, presenters of cultural programmes on radio and online bloggers on culture.

Lastly, Engabu Za Tooro Annual General Meeting officially launched the Tutemu Engaro Campaign and began by massively contributing both in cash and in-kind for the safeguarding of their very own intangible cultural heritage threatened with extinction like Empaako and Koogere Oral Traditions.

Currently, Engabu Za Tooro is implementing a UNESCO co-funded project UGA 01210 which is on documentation and revitalization of Empaako naming rituals and practices.