Hoima, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom: In a splendid display of unity and tradition, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, embarked on a momentous visit to the renowned Karuzika Palace. The purpose of this visit was to meet His Royal Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the esteemed Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
This historic encounter took place on a Saturday, with the Kyabazinga’s arrival at the Karuzika Palace being met with an august reception. Senior Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom officials graced the occasion, including the Chairman of the Royal Commission, Omujwarakondo Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa Ateenyi, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Owek Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, and several other dignitaries.
The Kyabazinga was not alone; he was accompanied by esteemed officials from Busoga Kingdom and several of his close relatives. This contingent included the Minister of Kyabazinga Affairs, Owek. Yudaya Babirye, Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Culture, Richard Mafumo, the Minister of State for Finance, Ivan Kiirya, as well as other committee members.
In a gracious speech, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru and the entire Bunyoro Kingdom for the warm reception. He touched on the deep and cherished relationship between the Basoga as the children and the Banyoro as their parental figures, emphasizing the cultural significance of maintaining these roots.
The Kyabazinga’s visit had three distinct objectives: to officially return to his ancestral home, where he has always felt a part of a large, loving family; to seek blessings, wise counsel, and guidance, recognizing the shared cultural heritage between Busoga and Bunyoro; and to inform Omukama that on November 18th, 2023, as their son, he will officially tie the knot. In a heartwarming gesture, he invited Omukama and other Bunyoro Kingdom Royals to attend his official Royal wedding ceremony.
Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga of Bunyoro congratulated Kyabazinga on his 9th coronation anniversary, celebrated on September 13th. He expressed gratitude for the Kyabazinga’s unwavering support and love for his ancestors.
Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, Chairman of the Royal Commission and Special Presidential Advisor on Oil and Gas, commended Kyabazinga’s academic pursuits, noting his pursuit of a Ph.D. in Economics. He highlighted that the Kyabazinga’s value extended not only to Busoga Kingdom but also to Bunyoro Kingdom.
The head of Royal Regalia in the Karuzika Palace, George Isoke Mugurusi, presented a splendid array of gifts given by Omukama Gafabusa to the Kyabazinga. These included nine heads of cattle worth UGX 27 million, two grazing sticks, a traditional marriage certificate of Bunyoro, and a portrait of Omukama Gafabusa. The gifts were duly handed over to the Kyabazinga.
Omukama Gafabusa, in a message delivered by the Ssababiito (Chief Prince) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Fred Mugenyi, conveyed warm wishes for love, a harmonious home, and a blissful family. He extended his blessings for the Kyabazinga’s forthcoming marriage scheduled for November 18th, 2023.
During the thanksgiving address, Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Culture, Richard Mafumo, expressed profound gratitude to Omukama Gafabusa for hosting them. He vowed that the Basoga would continue to strengthen their love for Bunyoro Kingdom, eagerly anticipating their presence at the Royal wedding event.
