Ankore kingdom is located in south-western Uganda, east of Lake Edward. It was ruled as a monarchy known headed by the King (the Mugabe) or Omugabe. The kingdom was formally abolished in 1967 by the government of President Milton Obote, and since then, the Kingdom has never been restored officially.

The people of Ankore are called Banyankole (singular: Munyankole) speaking Runyankole language, a Bantu language. On 25 October 1901, the Kingdom of Nkore was incorporated into the British Protectorate of Uganda by the signing of the Ankole agreement.

Ankore Kingdom was divided into ten counties (Amashaza) and the original ten counties of Ankore include Kashari, Isingiro, Rwampara, Nyabushozi, Ibanda, Sheema, Kajjara, Bunyaruguru, Igara, and Buhweju. These counties are now divided into various political constituencies.

Ankole has since been divided into ten districts, namely: Bushenyi District, Buhweju District, Mitooma District, Rubirizi District, Sheema District, Ntungamo District, Mbarara District, Kiruhura District, Ibanda District, and Isingiro District.

THE MAP OF ANKOLE KINGDOM SHOWING HER BOUNDARIES SINCE 1901 WHEN UGANDA WAS DECLARED AS A BRITISH PROTECTORATE

THE ANKORE ROYAL REGALIA INCLUDES;

Maledrum (Bagyendanwa), Femaledrum (Kabembura), Male drum (Nyakashaija), Female drum representing concubines (Nyabayangwe), Seerdrum, (Buhanuuzi), Maledrum (Iguru Ivory drum), stick (omurisyogw’Omwinogw’Enjojo), Two drum sticks (Emirisyo), Toothpick (Omutoozo), Stool (Ekitebe ky’Ekihiringisi), Arrows (Emyambi), Bow(Akata), Bracelet copper spear (Eicumu Nyamiirima), uncarried hammer (Enyondo etakirizibwa), Courtaxe (EmpangoKiita-bagomi), Whitespear (Eicumumweru), Crown (Ekirungaky’Omugabe), Animal skins: Lion skin (Oruhurw’ekicuncu), Leopard skin (Oruhurw’Engwe), Engyeya skin, Jaguar (Oruhurw’Emoondo), Chitter (Orutarago), Zebra skin (Enturegye), Harp (Enanga), Whistle (Esheegu) and her drum Rwabasheegu, Chessboard (Ekyeesho), Robes (Emishanana), Omwenagiro, Grindingstone (Orubangon’Esiiso), Karebe (Eshando), Maledrum (EngomaNyabitsya), Spiritual powerhorn (Ekisingo Rutare), Chalk (Einoni), Lime stone (Ekisooni).