Sabiiti Fenekansi, a visionary leader, established the Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism, officially registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (Reg No. 80034582487260), driven by a deeply personal connection to the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.

Born in Ankole and raised in Tooro, Sabiiti’s heritage is a fascinating blend. His paternal lineage traces back to the Basiita clan of Karagwe, Tanzania, a migration that brought his ancestors to the verdant lands of Ankole, Uganda. On his maternal side, his roots lie with the Beitira clan, whose journey brought them from Rwanda to settle in western Ankole.

This confluence of origins – the Wanyambo culture of Tanzania, the Tutsi culture of Rwanda, the Kinyankole traditions, and the distinct customs of Tooro – gifted Sabiiti a unique perspective. While at times he pondered his identity, questioning whether he was Tanzanian, Rwandan, a Munyankole by birth, or a Mutooro by upbringing, he ultimately found his anchor in his Ugandan nationality. “Being a Ugandan is central to me,” he affirms.

This rich cultural mosaic ignited Sabiiti’s profound passion for tourism. “I am ‘the planned tourist’ in Uganda,” he declares, seeing travel as an inherent part of him. “Tourism is my birth right. I was born a traveller and adventurer. I am attracted to discoveries in nature and people. Culture explorations are part of my interests.”

The Ugandan flag serves as a powerful symbol for Sabiiti, a constant reminder of his national identity that transcends his diverse ancestral roots. This deep connection inspired him to found the Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism, a vehicle to explore his heritage through the lens of tourism. Here, “Kitara” encompasses a broader historical region in Africa, extending beyond just Western Uganda, and it is this wider Kitara Region that forms the heart of his tourism aspirations.

The Foundation’s vision is to become the leading facilitator of tourism and hospitality development in the region, focusing on the interconnectedness of Nature, People, and Economy. It aims to coordinate various tourism initiatives within the Kitara region, which includes the sub-regions of Tooro, Bunyoro, Ankole, Rwenzori, and Kigezi. By establishing a strong network, the Foundation fosters regional cooperation among tourism stakeholders and their communities.

As a social enterprise, the Kitara Foundation is dedicated to regional tourism development that uplifts community livelihoods, safeguards the natural environment, and preserves cultural heritage. This is achieved through the development of innovative tourism products, the creation of regional tourism marketing platforms, direct job creation, and the effective coordination of the tourism industry within the region.

Delving deeper into Sabiiti’s ancestry reveals compelling historical connections. His clan, the Basiita, with roots in Karagwe, Tanzania, is part of a larger historical narrative of the Great Lakes Kingdoms of East Africa. The Abanyambo people of Karagwe, like many in this region, trace their lineage back to the ancient Kitara empire and the Bachwezi dynasty. Oral traditions speak of Nono Marinja, a leader from the Abasiita clan, who predated the arrival of Ruhinda’s generation in Karagwe.

Interestingly, the Abanyambo, or Wanyambo, who speak Kinyambo, are considered a Tanzanian branch of the Banyankole-Banyoro-Batoro of Uganda, with the Basiita clan specifically tracing its origins to Bunyoro. This historical link is reinforced by the tradition where Karagwe princes often seek blessings from their Bunyoro grandfathers before their enthronement, and Bunyoro leaders frequently participate in the enthronement rituals in Bweranyange, the seat of the Karagwe kingdom. The historical emphasis on unity and close collaboration between the Karagwe and Bunyoro kingdoms highlights their shared cultural heritage and their desire to resist external influences. The linguistic similarities between Kinyambo and Runyoro, along with the joyful recognition among clan members from both sides, further underscore these deep connections.

Another fascinating aspect of Sabiiti’s heritage lies in the story of the “Abiiru” of Ankole. Some historical interpretations suggest a link between the “Abiiru” and the ancient Hebrews. The term “Habiru” or “Hapiru,” found in ancient Egyptian tablets dating back to around 1400 BC, is believed by some scholars to be synonymous with “Hebrew.” Biblical references also connect the early Israelites with the term “Hebrew.” This interpretation suggests that the term “Abiiru” might be a historical reference to a group with ancient Hebrew origins who settled in the region.

The narrative further suggests that during the period of Hebrew enslavement in Egypt, the ruling dynasty was Cushitic (related to the Luo). The arrival of the Bahima in Ankole from Mpororo, who also trace their ancestry to the Luo through Cush, son of Ham, from northeastern Sudan, brought with them a historical context where the “Habiru” were once enslaved. This historical memory, according to this interpretation, might have influenced the Bahima’s perception of the indigenous “Abiiru.”

However, this interpretation also emphasizes that the bondage of slavery for the Hebrews was broken by God, contingent upon their adherence to the Ten Commandments. Therefore, any attempt to exert dominance over the “Abiiru,” based on a historical period of enslavement, is considered invalid within this framework, provided they uphold their covenant with God.

The widespread presence of the Basiita clan, Sabiiti’s lineage, across various regions including Kigezi, Ankole, Tooro, Bunyoro in Uganda, as well as parts of Tanzania, Rwanda, and even the Democratic Republic of Congo (where they are known as Baswaaga in Bukonjo and Ab’ente in Buganda), illustrates the extensive historical migrations and connections of this clan.

The Kitara Foundation for Regional Tourism, under Sabiiti’s guidance, is committed to celebrating and preserving these intricate cultural and natural narratives of all the people within the region and beyond, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared human history.