Ekiro Kye Kalamu (Day of the Pen)
| Section | Details |
| Theme | Transforming Lives Through Education |
| Date of Celebration | 15th August 2025 |
| Venue | Nyakasanga Playground, Kasese |
| Historical Context | In 1982, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma declared that the “war of spears” had ended and the “war through the pen” would begin. This was a call for education empowerment in the Rwenzururu community. |
| Goal | To commemorate Kalamu Day and advocate for a sustainable educational future for Banya-Rwenzururu, ensuring every child has access to quality education, leading to peace, unity, and socio-economic development. |
| Objectives | Advocate for the establishment of the Omusinga Education Scholarship Fund (OMES-Fund): To provide financial support for underprivileged students within the Rwenzururu Kingdom, ensuring that no talented student is denied an education due to financial constraints. Promote the establishment of a fully operational Public University in Rwenzori (Rwenzururu Heritage University): A regional university will address the educational needs of the people, cutting costs of higher education and providing access to quality university education without the need for students to travel far. Create awareness about the importance of peacebuilding and conflict resolution education: Integrating peace studies and conflict resolution as part of the national curriculum, starting from primary school through to secondary school, to address historical conflicts in the Rwenzori region and reduce domestic violence across Uganda. Mobilize resources from donors and well-wishers to support OMES-Fund and educational initiatives: Engage with international donors, NGOs, and well-wishers to pool resources for sustainable educational transformation within the region. Celebrate educational milestones and achievements: Honor the pioneers of education in Rwenzururu by awarding individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to educational development in the region. |
Committee
- Dr. Moses Kibalirwandi – Chairperson.
- Mr. Joseph Nzukwa – Vice Chairperson.
- Hon. Joshua Baluku – Secretary.
- Committee Members:
- – Representation from Kagadi, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Bunyangabu, Mubende and Kasambya districts.
- – DEO Kasese
- – Ms. Moshi Kruthum
- – Rt Hon. Gad Mbayahi
- – Mr. Kyalimba
- – Ms. Edith Muhindo
- – Ms. Naume Mbambu
- – Hon Abjeed
- – Hon. Klemon
- – Hon. Hosea
- – Hon. Kanyonyi
- – Hon. Enid Kabugho
- – Mr. Banymire
- – Ms. Justine Asst. RDC
Background
Kalamu Day to be celebrated annually on the 15th of August, is a pivotal moment in the history of the Rwenzururu Kingdom and the people of Banya-Rwenzururu. On this day, in 1982, His Majesty Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma, in a historic declaration made while descending from Kahindangoma, proclaimed that the “war of spears” had ended and that the “war through the pen” would begin. This declaration was a powerful call to the people of Rwenzururu to prioritize education as a tool of empowerment and self-determination. It was a call to rise above the legacies of colonial marginalization, where the Bayira-Bakonzo community had been systematically denied access to resources, including quality education.
At a time when other regions of Uganda had already embraced formal education, this declaration marked the beginning of a long overdue journey toward educational empowerment for the Rwenzururu people. The establishment of Saad Memorial Secondary School in 1974 which also saw the creation of Semuliki District (currently Bundibugyo) and Busongora District (currently Kasese), was a landmark achievement. It opened the doors of secondary education to the Rwenzururu community, nearly a decade after the rest of the country had already made strides in educational development. While the SDA Church had established a secondary school in Mitandi-Kabarole District in 1948, the significant distance and geographical challenges meant it was inaccessible to most Banya-Rwenzururu, further deepening the educational gap.
The Kalamu Day celebration today not only honors the historic 1982 declaration but serves as a reminder of the vital role education plays in the social, economic, and cultural transformation of the Rwenzururu community. It highlights the ongoing need for affirmative action to bridge the educational gap that has persisted for decades.
The celebration of Kalamu Day aligns closely with the five pillars that guide the mission of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR):
- Peace: The promotion of peacebuilding through education is essential for long-term stability in the region. Peace studies, conflict resolution, and dialogue are necessary to heal the wounds of past conflicts and prevent future strife. Kalamu Day advocates for the introduction of such programs in schools as a tool for lasting peace.
- Unity in Diversity: The Rwenzururu Kingdom is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Bakonzo, Banyabindi, and Banyoro. Kalamu Day celebrates this diversity by promoting unity through shared educational initiatives, cultural exchanges, and mutual respect.
- Reconciliation: Recognizing the historical challenges the region has faced, Kalamu Day serves as an opportunity for collective healing. Education is a vital tool in fostering reconciliation, both within the region and in broader national contexts.
- Socio-Cultural and Economic Transformation: Education is the bedrock of socio-economic transformation. Kalamu Day serves as a platform to promote economic empowerment through education, with the ultimate aim of improving living standards, reducing poverty, and enhancing cultural pride and resilience.
- Mindset Change: Kalamu Day calls for a fundamental shift in the attitudes towards education. It encourages Banya-Rwenzururu to view education not just as a means to an end but as an essential vehicle for personal and community development. The day advocates for a national mindset change regarding the value of education in achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Key Activities
- Education Symposium
A central gathering of educators, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in the education sector. The symposium will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focused on challenges, innovations, and strategies for transforming education in the Rwenzururu region. Themes will include gender equity in education, education in post-conflict areas, digital learning, and local curriculum development. - Kalamu Day Education Run:
A community-run event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of education in transforming futures. This run will symbolize the journey toward educational empowerment and will bring together various stakeholders, including students, educators, and community leaders. - Cultural Night with Side fire Chats (Pre-event on 14th August):
A cultural evening showcasing traditional dances, music, and performances. The night will also feature dialogues on the importance of education in transforming the Rwenzururu community, with guest speakers offering insights into the current educational landscape. - Poetry, Debate, and Essay Writing Competitions:
These competitions will encourage students to explore themes of education, peace, and transformation. Winning pieces will be awarded prizes, and the best essays will be featured during the main Kalamu Day celebrations. - Awards Ceremony:
- Awarding of the first Headteachers (Male and Female) of primary and secondary schools in Rwenzori.
- Recognition of the first school to provide both primary and secondary education in the Rwenzori region.
- Special recognition for the schools and individuals who have contributed significantly to the educational development of Rwenzururu.
- Exhibition of Educational Resources:
A display of educational tools, books, and resources that highlight the importance of literacy, learning, and academic excellence. This exhibition will also feature organizations and institutions that have contributed to educational development in the Rwenzori region.
Call to Action for Donors and Well-Wishers
This concept note invites both national and international donors, well-wishers, and stakeholders to invest in the future of the Banya-Rwenzururu community. By supporting the OMES-Fund and other educational initiatives, donors will contribute to the transformation of the Rwenzori region, reducing the historical education gap, promoting peace and reconciliation, and empowering the youth to build a prosperous future.
We ask for your partnership in making these goals a reality—together, we can lay the foundation for a brighter, more educated future for the Rwenzururu Kingdom and Uganda at large.
By celebrating Kalamu Day, we are not only commemorating an important historical event but also creating a lasting legacy of empowerment through education. This is a noble cause that calls for collective action from all sectors of society. Join us in making a meaningful impact.