The remnants of the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom constitute what remains of a once powerful empire, now distributed across the current districts of Hoima, Masindi, Kibaale, Kabarole, and Kasese in Uganda, as well as some parts of present-day western Kenya, northern Kenya, and eastern Congo.

The most renowned king of the Bunyoro reign was Kabalega, who bravely resisted colonial dominance during his rule. However, the Kitara empire dwindled to become practically a depopulated kingdom, a consequence of deliberate marginalization dating back to the colonial era.

A systematic genocide against the Bunyoro population ensued as a result of the kingdom’s army being severely weakened after King Kabalega was imprisoned and banished to the Seychelles. This genocide was made worse by epidemics and diseases like syphilis.

The inhabitants of the Bunyoro kingdom, predominantly Christians, are known as Nyoro or Banyoro (singular, Bunyoro). Their primary language is Nyoro (also known as Runyoro). In the past, the economy revolved around hunting elephants, lions, leopards, and crocodiles, but nowadays, agriculture is the main economic activity, with crops including bananas (matoke), millet, cassava, sweet potatoes, cotton, tobacco, coffee, and rice.

“Omukama” is the title given to the rulers of the central African kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara, which existed as an independent state from the 16th to the 19th century. Omukama Bunyoro remains a figure of significant importance in the current politics of Uganda, especially among the Banyoro, who still respect him as their true leader.

The royal palace, also known as the Karuziika Palace, is in Hoim City, where the current king, Solomon Iguru I, resides with his wife, Omugo Margaret Karunga. The present king has a chief of staff, 21 ministers, and a parliament, known as Orukurato.

During its heyday, the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom controlled virtually the entire Great Lakes region, including Lakes Victoria, Edward, and Albert. The kingdom possessed sacred sites, such as the current fishing village of Kibiro on Lake Albert, known for its salt deposits and sulfurous hot springs. Their advanced metallurgy provided military and economic power across the Great Lakes region.

In the late 18th century, the Bunyoro empire began to decline, losing territory to Buganda in the Kooki and Buddu regions. In addition, the province of Toro seceded from the kingdom in the 1830s, depriving it of most of the Kibiro salt mines. To the south, Rwanda and Ankole grew rapidly, moving northwards and absorbing some of the smaller kingdoms that were once Bunyoro’s vassals.

By the mid-19th century, the Bunyoro empire had been reduced to a small state, though still economically strong due to trade routes on Lake Victoria and ties to the Indian Ocean coast, particularly in the ivory trade. However, conflicts with Buganda led to a tumultuous period, with the capital moving from Hoima to Amparo and two kings reigning simultaneously after the death of Omakuma Kyebambe III.

Great Britain intervened in 1890, securing control over the northern region of Lake Victoria and establishing a protectorate in 1894. Despite resistance from King Kabalega, who was captured and exiled, part of the kingdom was divided between Buganda and Toro. During World War I, the region remained loyal to the British crown, leading to the signing of a new agreement in 1934, granting greater autonomy.

Today, the kingdom of Bunyoro remains one of the kingdoms with some decision-making power in Uganda, along with Buganda, Busoga, and Toro.

In terms of traditions, the Banyoro were traditionally polygamous, and divorce was common. The oldest man, Nyineka, led his family, and W’omugongo Mukuru, an elder chosen by the other village elders, led the community.

When a baby was born, they were not immediately given a name. Several months would pass before a close relative bestowed a name on them, with the father having the final say. Infants were given two names: their given name and the traditional name Mpako, which was frequently associated with the occasion of the baby’s birth. Regarding beliefs, the Bunyoro associated death with black magic and the occult, performing rituals to prevent the deceased’s ghosts from interfering with the living.