Kampala — A FOURTEEN-MAN delegation of Bamasaaba leaders yesterday petitioned Parliament Speaker over the recognition of their kingdom.

They requested the Speaker to arrange a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and their leader, Umukuuka Umukhulu Wash II Joseph Kanyanya.

They also asked the Government to provide security and a monthly facilitation for their leader, as well as a grant to construct Bamakoki palace and to renovate the ancestral Painendo palace.

The group's speaker, Damascus Masaba, said Kanyanya was appointed by eight tribal leaders on July 31, 2004 and was coronated a year later.

He said in 2005, the Bamasaaba leaders passed a resolution that established the kingdom.

The event was witnessed by the Minister for the Presidency, Beatrice Wabudeya, he said.

Ssekandi promised to study the petition and advise on the matter.

He also promised to inform the President about the group's request for a meeting.

Responding to the Speaker's query about the history, size and organisation of the kingdom, Masaba said the kingdom covers the old Bugisu district, which comprises Sironko, Bududa, Mbale and Manafwa.

He said they had 53 clans, totems and eight traditional leaders.

Masaba added that originally, the title of their traditional leader was Omuyinga but in 2004, the eight clan leaders changed it to Omukuuka.