Bugembe, Jinja — The royal grounds of Busoga Kingdom came alive this weekend as thousands of subjects thronged Bugembe, Jinja City, to celebrate a milestone — eleven years since the enthronement of His Majesty William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV.
The air was charged with festivity. Women in vibrant gomesis swayed to the rhythm of traditional drums, while men in kanzus and coats proudly waved kingdom flags. The atmosphere was a blend of reverence and jubilation, as the people of Busoga came together to honor their King, who has steered the cultural institution since 2014.
Taking his place before the multitudes, the Kyabazinga spoke with calm authority. This year’s anniversary ran under the theme: “Malaria Free Busoga for Generations to Come.”
“Malaria has taken a significant step in underdeveloping Busoga,” the King declared. “We must fight it together. To the young people, let us be productive and take the lead in shaping our future.”
The monarch reminded his subjects of the Abasadha N’empango Project, an initiative that places men at the forefront of combating teenage pregnancies and early marriages — vices that continue to threaten the fabric of Busoga society.
As the royal words echoed across the grounds, visiting dignitaries added their voices. Representing President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja delivered a glowing message, applauding the Kyabazinga’s efforts to guide Busoga toward transformation.
“When the NRM government came into power, we found cultural institutions in dilemma. We decided to restore them, and today they are growing stronger,” Museveni’s message read. He pledged more government support in community upliftment programs, especially agriculture.
Presidency Minister Milly Babalanda’s remarks drew warm applause when she congratulated the Kyabazinga and the royal family on the recent birth of twins. “Busoga is now bigger with the princes,” she said, smiling broadly as the crowd cheered.
Beyond the speeches, the day unfolded as a living showcase of Busoga’s identity. Traditional dances, songs of praise, and dramatic recitals about the Kingdom’s resilience filled the program. Young people performed cultural skits, embodying the King’s call for productivity and preservation of heritage.
Dressed in dazzling regalia, cultural leaders from neighboring kingdoms exchanged greetings with Basoga elders, symbolizing unity among Uganda’s diverse communities. Development partners too pledged continued collaboration in health, education, and cultural preservation.
For many, the day was not just about a coronation anniversary, but also a reflection of the Kyabazinga’s journey. From his youthful enthronement in 2014 to today, His Majesty has sought to weave culture with development — urging his people to look inward for solutions while welcoming external partnerships.
As the sun dipped over Jinja, the crowds broke into song, praising their monarch and renewing their loyalty. Children waved miniature flags, elders recited royal praises, and a sense of unity enveloped Bugembe.
Eleven years on the throne, Kyabazinga Gabula IV stands as both a cultural custodian and a voice for development — a King reminding his people that tradition and progress can walk hand in hand.
