The Busoga Kingdom is on the verge of forming a partnership with the Kingdom of Eswatini to promote significant development in both kingdoms. This collaboration was showcased on Thursday, August 15, 2024, when Eswatini’s Majesty, King Mswati III, made a courtesy visit to Igenge Palace in Jinja.
Busoga’s King, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, along with his Queen, HRH Jovia Mutesi, warmly welcomed King Mswati, who was accompanied by his Queen, Inkhosikati Make Lamashwama, and a high-powered delegation from the Eswatini Royal family to the palace.
King Nadiope emphasized the importance of unity and brotherhood between the two kingdoms, both now and for future generations, through the promotion of culture and heritage.
“We are privileged to welcome you today along with members of the royal family at Igenge Palace. I convey greetings from the great people of Busoga Kingdom. Today is a special day for the kingdom of Busoga as we strengthen our relationship with the mighty Kingdom of Eswatini. By embracing unity of purpose and brotherhood, we seek to promote culture and heritage for the present and future generations,” King Nadiope stated in a melodious voice.
The Kyabazinga also praised Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for enhancing bilateral relations between Uganda and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, stating that this collaboration is driving unity and development across African nations.
“I thank the president of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for establishing strong bilateral relationships between Uganda and Eswatini. These connections allow us to strengthen brotherly and cultural ties with great potential to unite us as Africans and contribute to the development of our people,” the youthful king added.
The Kyabazinga also commended King Mswati for his contribution to his royal wedding on November 18, 2023, when he officially wedded Queen Mutesi. The Eswatini King had sent royal chiefs to physically participate in the wedding event, which was held at Christ Cathedral Bugembe, followed by a reception at Igenge Palace.
Recently, Kyabazinga Nadiope, accompanied by Busoga Kingdom ministers, paid a four-day visit to King Mswati’s palace in Eswatini, where they held bilateral talks. The kings discussed several key issues aimed at fostering development in their respective kingdoms.
“In the same vein, I thank you for the great welcome and hospitality you extended to us during our four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini. The people of Busoga and I have great admiration for your kingdom, and we hold your exemplary leadership, which has preserved African culture and heritage, in high regard,” he continued.
He noted that both kingdoms share several commonalities, including a predominantly young population, respect for culture, reliance on agriculture, and tourism. He highlighted that these shared attributes offer opportunities for joint development through unity of purpose.
In his remarks, King Mswati, dressed in traditional attire, expressed gratitude to the Kyabazinga of Busoga for hosting him at the picturesque Igenge Palace. He also emphasized the importance of genuine collaboration between Busoga and Eswatini.
King Mswati is visiting Uganda from August 14 to 16 at the invitation of President Museveni.
“I am here to strengthen the collaboration between Uganda and the Kingdom of Eswatini. President Museveni allowed me to visit the Busoga King. We are here to promote culture for our future generations,” King Mswati said.
Before arriving at Igenge Palace, the energetic King Mswati toured the Kiira Motors Plant in Mutai, Jinja District, where he lauded the vehicles assembled at the plant and pledged to provide a market for the Kayoola electric buses in Eswatini.
“These buses represent the latest in technology. We are eager to work together in business so that buses from Kiira Motors can be distributed in Eswatini.”
During bilateral talks at State House, chaired by President Museveni, the two heads of state emphasized the significance of market integration in driving economic prosperity. President Museveni also called for the aggregation of regional and continental markets.
Later, addressing the Kyabazinga and distinguished guests, including government ministers, members of parliament, Busoga Kingdom ministers, and other dignitaries at Igenge Palace, King Mswati expressed his desire to return to Busoga to explore the Nile River on a special cruise.
“We have enjoyed so much, and we will always remember this memorable time in Uganda. We will return to take boat cruises on the Nile,” he said.
