Bugembe, Jinja:- The Kingdom of Busoga has issued a strongly worded rebuttal against ongoing public allegations regarding the leadership of the Kyabazinga and his Cabinet, reaffirming that the monarch remains fully in charge and that the institution will not be drawn into partisan political battles.
In a detailed 15-point statement issued Friday, April 4, 2025, the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere dismissed as false and malicious the claims suggesting the Kyabazinga was under external control or that the institution was being manipulated to advance political interests.
“I would like to assure Abasoga and the rest of the Ugandans that His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV is in charge and control of the Kingdom, executing his duties as enshrined under the relevant legal regimes and Kisoga cultural norms,” Muvawala emphasized, further clarifying that the Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga operates independently under the sole leadership of His Majesty.
The statement followed weeks of public speculation and commentary, including remarks made by Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, during a local radio show in Kamuli.
Kadaga claimed that some individuals within the Kingdom’s Cabinet (whom she implied were not of Basoga origin) were being used to politically undermine her, citing political intrigue linked to the Kingdom leadership.
In a firm response to the former Speaker, the Kingdom clarified the background of the officials under scrutiny. Notably, Dr. Muvawala mentioned that the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Owek Osman Ahmed Noor, a native of Kaliro district in Bulamogi Chiefdom and the longest-serving member of the Busoga Cabinet, having worked under five different Prime Ministers.
“For purposes of record, Owek Osman is a full Musoga, and his loyalty to the institution is unquestionable,” Muvawala noted.
Kadaga had also claimed that Kyabazinga Gabula was not President Museveni’s preferred candidate ahead of the coronation—a claim the Kingdom dismissed as irrelevant and misleading. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the election and enthronement of the Kyabazinga is an entirely cultural process with no political or executive influence.
Regarding accusations of selling off Kingdom assets, Muvawala described these as historically rooted misunderstandings. He clarified that many of Busoga’s assets, including land, were lost during the 1967 abolition of cultural institutions and are currently being reclaimed through legal means. He reported that the Kingdom has so far recovered over 100 acres of land and is actively pursuing further recoveries.
“The Kingdom does not sell land,” Muvawala stated. “As guided by the Constitution and as a standing policy of His Majesty, Kingdom land can only be leased for purposes of public good. Any sale of Kingdom land would be illegal and void.”
He also emphasized that the Kingdom has strict rules against partisan politics. Any official serving under the Obwakyabazinga who wishes to contest in elective politics is required to resign beforehand.
This policy comes into sharp focus following the recent political announcement by Owek Veronica Kagona, the State Minister for Youth and ICT in the Kingdom, who has expressed interest in contesting for the Kamuli Woman MP seat—a post Kadaga has held for over two decades.
Muvawala reiterated that Busoga Kingdom is not a political platform, and no one within its ranks should assume superiority over the Kyabazinga. “Nobody is above Busoga. All are equal before the King. The Kingdom’s legacy and cosmopolitan unity must be preserved,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by reassuring all Basoga and partners that the Kingdom remains stable, focused on development, and committed to preserving cultural integrity and institutional dignity.
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