Solomon restores ancient kingdom

KAMPALA (Reuter) - East Africa's oldest kingdom, founded six centuries ago, has been restored with the coronation of the 27th Omukama (king) of Bunyoro-Kitara, Uganda radio said.

Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, wearing a gold-coloured crown and a red velvet robe, was crowned during an elaborate ceremony on Saturday in Hoima, 150 miles from Kampala. The large audience included President Yoweri Museveni, whose government last year revived the country's four kingdoms abolished by former president Milton Obote in 1967.

Earlier this year Iguru won a legal battle with his elder brother, Prince John David Rukidi, who contested the will of the last Omukama, Sir Tito Winyi, naming Iguru his successor. The kingdoms no longer have wide administrative powers, and are largely ceremonial.