A vendor at Amber Court Market in Jinja received a significant boost to his business after winning UGX 200,000 for correctly answering questions about the Busoga Kingdom and its culture.
Mr. Abdul Wango triumphed over stiff competition from three fellow vendors in this year’s edition of Takula O’bwongo (Scratch Your Head) Lusoga competitions. Organized by the Amber Court Market Management, Takula O’bwongo aims to unite market members and educate locals about the facts of Busoga Kingdom and the Lusoga language.
“I want to thank each of you for being united and supportive of one another, especially during times of hardship such as death, fire outbreaks, sickness, and maintaining the general cleanliness of Amber Court Market,” said Mr. Ayub Kitamirike as he welcomed market members to the competition. He emphasized, “The competitions are meant to unite people, not be used as a tool for separation.”
Four participants competed and were grouped into two teams: Mr. Wango Moses and Mr. Wailike Abdul in one team, with Wango leading his group with 21 points, while his rival managed only 11 points. The second group had Mr. Ngobi Raston and Mukyala Mutongole, with Mr. Ngobi winning the group with 12 points, compared to his rival’s two points.
Wango won the final round against Ngobi, who had to settle for a modest UGX 70,000.
The line of questioning during the competition was designed to be both entertaining and educational. For instance, one question challenged the competitors to name the Busoga King who allegedly chewed the agreement on which Madhvani’s Kakira Sugar Limited claimed the whole of Busoga land. Although the commonly known answer is Kyabazinga Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope, it has never been proven that the alleged chewing actually occurred. Another question asked competitors to name the first Musoga and his five sons, among other topics.
The chief guest, Mr. Tibenkana Ivan, who is also the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Butembe Chiefdom, thanked the market management for organizing such an activity as a way of uniting the market community. A similar unity-driven event took place recently on the sidelines of the Kagulu Hill climbing challenge, where youth participated in rock climbing competitions, wrestling, and a beauty contest aimed at uniting the Busoga Kingdom and developing the various talents of the Basoga people.
