As the Basoga people eagerly await the 9th coronation anniversary of the revered Busoga kingdom monarch, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, preparations are kicking into high gear. The historic annual festival is set to take place on September 13, 2023, at the Namungaalwe playground in Kigulu chiefdom’s Iganga district.
The Busoga Kingdom Minister for Culture, Owekitiibwa Richard Mafumo, has disclosed that the anniversary will commence with a series of communal activities. These include ongoing health camps that have been set up in various parts of the region. Mafumo fervently calls upon the subjects of Busoga to wholeheartedly participate in this year’s anniversary, underscoring its pivotal significance in the region.
Highlighting the theme for this year’s celebration, Mafumo emphasized the importance of preserving the environment by planting trees, fruits, and other locally cherished medicinal plants. He expressed confidence that this environmental initiative will contribute to the region’s development and enhance the health of its people.
This year’s anniversary holds a special distinction as it will mark the first time the King is accompanied by his Queen. The unveiling of the Inhebantu, HRH Jovia Mutesi, took place on Thursday, adding a new chapter to Busoga’s history. The Kingdom Premier has announced that the Queen will be officially introduced to the subjects and the world at large on November 18, during their holy matrimony.
The 9th coronation anniversary commemorates HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV’s ascension to the throne. He was crowned the 4th Isebantu of Busoga on September 13, 2014, following an eight-year interregnum without a king. This period of uncertainty ended with the passing of HRH Henry Waako Mulooki in 2008, who had dutifully served as the Kyabazinga from 1967. He succeeded HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula, the father of the present King, marking a poignant moment in Busoga’s rich history.
