Omugurusi Basaliza Rusoke (Muzeyi Kijana) contributes to Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund

Muzeyi Kijana signing in the contributions book

Omugurusi Basaliza Rusoke (Muzeeyi Kijana) contributed UGX 100,000 to the Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund to enable Engabu Za Tooro safeguard heritage threatened with extinction like Empaako and Koogere Oral Traditions.

‘Muzeyi Kijana’ who is popularly known for playing golf at Tooro Golf Club is the father of the former Member of Parliament of Burahya County in Kabarole district.

Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund will be used to offer at least 10 university scholarships to study Runyoro/Rutooro language to students and teachers of the language, extend Empaako programme to Basongora, Banyaruguru and Banyambooga of DRC.

The Self-Hep Cultural Fund was launched on 23^rd June 2019 by Engabu Za Tooro Board of Directors led by Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali. A grand book of contributions it is placed at Engabu Za Tooro offices and an individual, a family, clan, institution or organization can sign in by contributing not less than UGX 50,000. It will be closed on November 23^rd 2019 ahead of submitting report to UNESCO in December 2019.

Tutemu Engaro contributions book along with videos, books, visual art pieces and tangible items used in Empaako naming rituals will constitute historical symbols of Empaako UNESCO inscription and safeguarding programmes which will be achieved in local and international museums.

So far, millions of shillings have been contributed by people from across the country like the family of Omugurusi Isaya Kalya, the family of Dr. L.T Rubongoya, Mrs Munkancwango Beatrice, Mr and Mrs Christopher Monday Kazini, Hon. Mutunzo Peace Regis (Minister of state for Gender, Labour and Social Development and also woman MP Bunyangabu district), Rev. Richard Baguma Adyeri, Owek. Mwesige Zebidayo, Mr. Ernest Kalege, Mr and Mrs Eustakiyo Tibyolekezo Abbooki Omwitira.

Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali launching Tutemu Engaro

Muhereza Valentine Kachaina of TV West, Ndahura II Kashagama cultural head of Busongora Cultural Institution, Rev. Kintu Muhanga Willy (Mayor Fort Portal Municipality), Ms. Mabiiho Winfred Baguma, Ms. Kagaba Vanice, Mary Tibamwenda, Mr. Eribankya Paul, Mr. Kagoro Peter, Mr. Richard Tooro, Msgr. Peter Kumaraki Araali and Mr. Kazooba Nyamuhanga have also contributed massively.

People can take their contributions at Engabu Za Tooro main offices located on Plot 18, Kaija Road, Kabundaire, Fort Portal – Uganda or contact the office on +256 (0) 483 422 187, +256 (0) 772 469 751 or Email: engabuzatooro@gmail.com

The Tutemu Engaro Self-Help Cultural Fund is aimed at mobilizing local contributions of Uganda Shillings 200 million towards the budget of the UNESCO co-funded project UGA 01210 aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing Empaako naming system.

The fund will also establish modern mechanisms of mobilizing collective resources and initiating community funded projects of safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Inscription and to revitalize and entrench the community spirit of self-reliance and solidarity in safeguarding the community’s own Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Engabu Za Tooro is accredited to provide advisory services to UNESCO (ICH Convention) and accredited as an observer of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Currently, the organization is co-funded by UNESCO (Intangible Heritage Fund) and local contributions to revitalize and safeguard the practice of the Empaako naming system through community self-documentation.