Royalists and supporters of Busoga Kingdom, lined up to the roadside echoing ululations in excitement as the cultural leader, His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV emerged from Budhumbula Palace to make way to Bugembe church in Jinja, where he officially wedded Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi in Holly Matrimony, yesterday.
Donning a white tunic and a majestic purple royal robe, the Isebantu was recieved at Bugembe church amidst heralding sounds of the royal drums at 12:04 pm.
Set to become the 5th Queen of Busoga, Jovia Mutesi made a regal entry into the Cathedral 26 minutes later.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Dr. Samuel Steven Kazimba Mugalu took charge and conducted the solemn exchange of vows between the Kyabanzinga and Busoga’s Inhebantu.
The Kyabanzinga declared his commitment to Inhebantu, with Inhebantu following suit in a ceremony witnessed by over 25,000 People.
In his sermon, Archbishop Kazimba urged the newlyweds to emulate the unity demonstrated by the people of Busoga, who turned out in unprecedented numbers.
” They have come to celebrate this marriage, let us honor it, please keep maama, maama, keep your husband and be faithful to each other.” Prayed Archbishop Kazimba.
The Archbishop also advocated for the sanctity of marriage and called on Ugandans to uphold these values while discouraging practices such as homosexuality.
The grandeur of the occasion continued with the royal couple hosting their guests to a sumptuous royal banquet at the Igenge Palace in Jinja, sealing the festivities with an aura of a pompous celebration.
Among the distinguished guests were notable figures including Prince Sicalo of Swaziland, Nabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda, Tooro queen mother Best Kemigisha, and the Omugo of Bunyoro.
Political figures included 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, as well as former Vice Presidents Specioza Kazibwe and Edward Ssekandi.
President Yoweri Museveni was represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo.
While delivering the president’s message, the Vice President revealed that the president had offered “20 cows which is a custom according to him, to welcome the incoming bride.” The President wished the couple a happy marriage
In her own capacity, the Vice president delivered 2 cows, “because , your highness, the children must drink milk.” Said the Vice President.
About the Kyabanzinga
The Kyabanzinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV was born in Jinja on 1 November 1988.
He is the son of Wilson Gabula Nadiope III, a onetime minister of tourism in the Ugandan Cabinet, and Josephine Nadiope, who died in 1991 and 1993 respectively.
His the paternal grandson of William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope II, who was the Kyabazinga of Busoga from 1949 until 1955 and returned in 1962 ruling Busoga until 1966.
Nadiope II was also the first Vice President of Uganda, from 1962 until 1966.
Willam Gabula Nadiope was unanimously elected by the ten Busoga Royal Chiefs who convened at Bugembe on 23 August 2014.
Prince Edward Columbus Wambuzi, the eleventh Busoga Royal Chief, who was also contesting for the throne, did not attend the meeting rendering himself ineligible.
Gabula was unanimously approved by the Busoga Lukiko on 25 September 2014 following an unsuccessful last-minute court challenge.
Prince William Gabula was crowned as the 4th Kyabazinga of Busoga at Bugembe on Saturday, 13 September 2014, the coronation was attended by Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, the President of Uganda.
His Marriage to Jovia Mutesi grants Busoga the 5th Royal Queen.