Abstract:
The kinyankore culture is one of the cultures of Uganda
shared by two groups of people: the Bahima (pastoralist)
and also Bairu (cultivators) altogether referred to as
Banyankore. People in this culture speak a Bantu
language called Runyankore of Niger-Congo family. This
culture exists among the people of Mbarara, Rwampara,
Bushenyi, Sheema, Buhweju, Ntungamo, Kiruhura,
Mitoma, Ibanda, and Isingiro districts (former Ankole
Kingdom) situated in western Uganda. The Banyankore
engage in numerous artistic activities involving music,
literature, sports, weaving, and dancing. The kinyankore
culture has features like the traditional dress, dance,
music, and the long-horned cattle which are the most
treasured possession in their lives; providing milk, ghee,
beef, and hides. The Ankole long-horned cow is still most
treasured possession in the lives of banyankore although
it is threatened by the introduction of exotic cows. Cows are also a mode of payment of bride price but the bride
price amongst banyankore is not a serious problem as the
groom’s side receives emihingiro (gifts) which in most
cases is much more than what the groom’s parents give
the bride’s (Kirindi, 2008).
Description:
The findings of the research revealed that Banyankore
people have a variety of cultural resources particularly the
Ankole long-horned cattle, art and handicrafts, cultural
sites like Nkonkojeru Tombs, Igongo Cultural Center, Mugore Rocks, and Itaaba Kyabanyoro that are integrated
into tourism products. It also revealed that the Banyankore
are engaged in cultural activities that are integrated into
some of the tourism products like beer brewing, hunting,
handcraft making, marriage practices, music, dance, and
drama. It also found that there aware some Banyankore
cultural resources and practices that were not fully
exploited for tourism and some which were unexploited
for tourism yet they could be developed, marketed, and
promoted for tourism because they have the potential of
attracting tourists.