In anticipation of the upcoming royal wedding between Busoga’s Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV and HRH Jovia Mutesi, preparations are in full swing, with an outpouring of financial support for this historic event. The vibrant ceremony is set to take place on November 18, 2023, at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe, followed by a grand reception at the Igenge Palace in Jinja, with over 3000 special guests invited.
Nile Breweries, renowned for producing Nile Special, unveiled a generous donation of UGX 450 million to the wedding’s organizing committee. This contribution complements the numerous donations from the Basoga people, companies, and individuals from outside the region who are all joining hands to ensure the success of this event, aptly named “Embaga Ya Mwenemu.”
The UGX 450 million cheque was formally received by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Prime Minister of the Busoga Kingdom, Engineer Patrick Mutumbya, the Chairperson of the organizing committee, and General Duties Minister Justine Lumumba Kasule, who oversees media and entertainment for the committee. The presentation ceremony, held at the kingdom headquarters in Bugembe, was attended by several kingdom dignitaries, emphasizing the significance of the wedding.
Prime Minister Muvawala, upon receiving the cheque, expressed his gratitude for this generous donation, which he saw as a testament to the growing corporate image of the Busoga Kingdom, meticulously built by its integrated subjects. Muvawala also acknowledged the long-standing legacy of Nile Breweries, which has been crafting various types of wine along the banks of the Nile River since 1951.
He underscored the importance of the Kyabazinga and the Inhebantu of Busoga as powerful symbols that attract investments and funds to the region. Muvawala urged the people of Busoga to continue supporting and cherishing the majesty for the betterment of the kingdom.
“The donations we are receiving from different companies signal that Busoga has grown. Previously, we would invite a company, and they would only give a one-million-shilling check. But now, the Basoga have played their role in building the name of Obwakyazinga bwa Busoga,” stated Muvawala.
The royal wedding celebrations kick off with a royal dinner scheduled for Friday, October 27, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. Entry cards for the dinner can be obtained at the kingdom headquarters and Nabirye City Plaza in Jinja at a cost of UGX 500,000. Justine Lumumba Kasule revealed that the royal dinner serves to capture Uganda’s attention and generate excitement for the forthcoming grand event. She encouraged the citizens of Busoga to embrace the dinner as the initial celebration leading up to the arrival of the Inhebantu.
Emmanuel Njuki, Head of Corporate Affairs at Nile Breweries, emphasized the company’s commitment to media partnerships, aiming to promote the royal wedding through extensive advertising. In addition to designing billboards featuring the Kyabazinga, the company also plans to manufacture a special wine branded “Isebantu” for complimentary consumption on the wedding day.
“This royal wedding is not only for Busoga but for the whole of Uganda and the world at large. It also promotes Busoga tourism, as many foreigners are expected to attend this historic event,” noted Njuki.
Meanwhile, Busoga Kingdom clans pledged to contribute a cow each, while clans with financially fortunate members will contribute three cows apiece.
