On Saturday a gathering of thousands of people, including cultural leaders, government officials and friends of the family took place at the grounds of the Mayuge District Headquarters in the Bunha Chiefdom to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the coronation of William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga. The festivities, called Amatikira ga Isebantu Kyabazinga, were first planned for September 13 but were postponed as a mark of respect for the mourning period caused by the death of the Omukama of Tooro, Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The kingdom’s officials stated that the change enabled Ugandans to attend the funeral of the late monarch while at the same time respecting the Kyabazinga’s milestone. President Yoweri Museveni, through a speech on his behalf given by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, expressed his appreciation of the Kyabazinga for having promoted peace and unity in Busoga since the latter’s enthronement on 13 September 2014. The President’s message said, “It is a pleasure to note that since you were elected Kyabazinga, you have kept on promoting peace, unity and development in the Busoga area.” He pointed out that Busoga has become more peaceful bit by bit over the last 12 years and still acts as a strong partner in national efforts in the fields of development, education and health. In reply, the Kyabazinga thanked President Museveni and the NRM government for their continued support given to Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga and said that the large number of people who attended was a strong indication of the unity which the kingdom values, urging his subjects to keep their attention on development and on the preservation of their culture. In the days prior to the anniversary the preparations had become more intensive. A general cleaning campaign took place which started at Mayuge Health Centre IV and went on to the celebration sites. The organisers, headed by Third Deputy Prime Minister Hajjat Lukia Isanga Nakadama (who is also the Woman MP for Mayuge), stressed that the event was not merely a royal one but an opportunity for the people of Busoga to celebrate their common culture and identity. The security agencies, such as the Regional Police Command for Busoga East, settled on the access routes and made the necessary arrangements for safety so as to ensure that the gathering would be smooth and peaceful, while health outreach activities were carried out as part of the general community engagement associated with the anniversary. The programme featured traditional dances, cultural performances and speeches given by the clan leaders and government dignitaries. Among the guests were Peter Mayiga, who is the Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom, and other traditional leaders, thus highlighting the inter-kingdom solidarity which has been a feature of the mourning period for the late King Oyo. To many of those present, the day was significant in more than just a royal sense; it served to underline the continued importance of traditional institutions in fostering social cohesion and development in modern Uganda. When the celebrations had ended beneath the evening sky at Mayuge, the message of unity and progress was clearly felt all over Busoga and the wider area. The 12-year anniversary of the coronation of Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV is a clear indication of the 12 years of steady leadership and of the strong cultural ties which still hold the people of Busoga together.
Kyabazinga of Busoga Marks 12th Coronation Anniversary in Mayuge
