Jinja, (UG): The Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH Isebantu William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, and the Inebantu Jovia Mutesi Nadiope Saturday exchanged marriage vows at a colourful ceremony which marked an historic moment for the kingdom at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja.
The grand royal wedding which attracted powerful officials from Busoga kingdom and the government of Uganda, was held under tight security with security in both uniform and casual clothing manning the city of Jinja to ensure a smooth process of the function.
At around 1:30 pm, the Church of Uganda Archbishop Rt Rev Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu officially opened the function with the day’s sermon, briefly followed by the couple exchanging their marriage vows.
When it clocked 1.55 pm, the Archbishop declared Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV and Lady Jovia Mutesi, husband and wife amid ululations from the thousands of guests inside and outside the cathedral.
Prior to the exchange of vows, the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye customarily asked whoever had a reason that could stop the couple from wedding to step up, and when no one did, he okayed the wedding by inviting the Archbishop to preside over the final moments.
Archbishop Kaziimba thanked the Kyabazinga for making a good choice and wedding in church, adding that the status of the bride’s village has been elevated and suggested that the road leading up to her village, be named after Her Royal Highness Mutesi Nadiope.
Kaziimba noted that the royal wedding brings the nation together, promotes the economy and opens a new chapter for the new generation to respect marriage and do the right thing while knowing that love is possible.
The Archbishop was full of praise for the legal team of church officials who approved the royal wedding on Wednesday, November 15 after it was threatened by one Ms Alison Anna Nadiope, who claimed to be married to the king and had first dragged the Kyabazinga to court in Britain where she alleged that her civil marriage to him took place.
However, Kaziimba speaking at the wedding on Saturday afternoon said; “I want to appreciate the team that guided us in this matter, led by Provincial Chancellor Naboth Muheirwe and Emmanuel Bamwite. Thanks for leading us well”.
Other members of the team, the Archbishop said, included Justice Batema, the Iganga High Court resident judge; Justice Duncan Gaswaga; Mr Aggrey Kibenge, the PS in the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Development, and the Busoga Kingdom Attorney General, Mr Alex Luaganda.
Following the church service, the couple held a reception, providing an opportunity for members of the public to see them and join in with the celebrations.
President Yoweri Museveni was represented by Vice President, Hon Jessica Alupo, who extended the President’s gift of 20 cows to the newlywed couple and emphasized unity among the four established monarchical institutions in the country.
Ms Jovia Mutesi, who was declared as the Inebantu of Busoga Kingdom on September 7, 2023, becomes the new Queen mother of the eastern kingdom after the last Inhebantu, Mrs Alice Muloki, who died on November 6, 2005.
HRH Mutesi Nadiope is the daughter of Stanley Bayoole, the current RDC of Bulambuli district who also served as the former Mayor of Mayuge Town Council in Mayuge District.
See more pictures from the Busoga Royal Wedding below
The solemnization of her marriage marked the beginning of Mutesi’s journey as the Inebantu of Busoga – the title given to the queen consort to the Kyabazinga of Busoga.
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