His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, has expressed concern over the increasing use of caustic language and content on social and mainstream media aimed at drawing the Kingdom into political matters.
In a media release on Friday, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Prime Minister of Busoga, emphasized the importance of responsible freedom of speech, as enshrined in Ugandan laws, and commended President Yoweri Museveni and the government for maintaining national peace and stability.
Concerns have been rising for nearly two months about the Kyabazinga’s whereabouts since his last public appearance in early January this year. The situation escalated when Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, recently claimed that unscrupulous individuals had hijacked Busoga Kingdom.
According to Dr. Muvawala, the King is fully in control of the fertile kingdom, carrying out his duties as outlined in the relevant legal frameworks and Kisoga cultural norms. He stressed, “Nobody is bigger than Busoga, and the kingdom’s strength lies in its historical cosmopolitan nature and unity in diversity.”
Muvawala, who also serves as the Executive Director of Uganda’s National Planning Authority (NPA), stated that Busoga Kingdom is built on three pillars: fighting disease, poverty, and ignorance. The Kyabazinga is a strong advocate for education and skills empowerment, engaging in various programs locally, nationally, and internationally to improve the lives of his people.
“The Kyabazinga, in pursuit of this mission, engages in a number of programs within Busoga, outside Busoga, and sometimes overseas. This requires his movement in and out of the country at intervals necessary for the betterment of Busoga and its people,” Muvawala explained.
He further clarified, “As per Kisoga culture and norms, the Kyabazinga does not seek permission from any of his subjects in the execution of his duties, both within and outside the country. When he wishes to inform his subjects, it happens either by him or myself (Prime Minister), upon his direction, as I am doing now.”
Regarding allegations of illegal sale and disposal of kingdom property, the Prime Minister distanced himself from these claims, stating that land management is a key challenge in Busoga due to historical issues, including the lack of title systems. He assured that kingdom land can only be leased for public good purposes, and any transactions would require his authorization.
Muvawala added that the Kyabazinga is the cultural head and father of Busoga, and no one in the Kingdom should assume they have control over him. “We’re all equal before His Majesty, and the Obwakyabazinga will engage with anyone who has a legitimate concern.”
He also reiterated that the Kingdom will not engage in politics or partisan affairs. “If anyone serving the kingdom wishes to engage in politics, they must resign first, as per our policy.”
