By Mike Rwothomio
Zombo, Uganda: The Kebhu Ringangi Kingdom, West Nile’s largest ethnic minority community, has crowned a new monarch. His Royal Highness Tebbizi Dr Kevio Jacob Kebbi III was enthroned on Friday, November 14, 2025, during a vibrant, tradition-rich coronation at Kunukezi, the sacred royal headquarters in Oliri Parish, Kango Sub-county, Zombo District.
Hundreds of Kebhu subjects filled the ceremonial grounds to witness the historic ascent of Dr. Kevio, a medical doctor and former chief of the Yuu Clan. He becomes the third Kebhu Ringangi King, succeeding the late King Waringu Ephraim Kebbi II, who died last year.
The coronation also marked the handover of the kingdom’s traditional instruments of power to the new monarch, who will govern alongside a council of 19 cabinet members mandated with strengthening the Kebhu identity, promoting cultural revival and amplifying the kingdom’s voice at regional and national levels.
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition and Identity
Kebhu Prime Minister Alexis Okecha described the day as a monumental moment in Zombo’s multi-cultural landscape. “Today another king rises in our land,” he said, celebrating the cultural displays of Kebhu songs, dance, colours and regalia as powerful symbols of pride and survival.
Okecha urged the Kebhu people to defend their language and customs, calling on religious institutions to help preserve the indigenous tongue. He extended a message of peace to neighbouring tribes, stressing that the Kebhu are fully recognised within Uganda’s constitutional framework.
Rev. Fr. Patrick of Kango Catholic Parish anchored the ceremony in biblical reflection, drawing lessons from the anointment of Israel’s early kings in the Book of 1 Samuel. He blessed the new monarch by sprinkling holy water on the royal stool, urging him to lead with humility, wisdom and unity.
“Poverty, discrimination and lack of schools remain some of the challenges your people face,” the priest said. “You are the chosen one. Stay loyal to God and He will bless you like Solomon.”
The coronation drew delegations from DR Congo’s Mahagi, Bunia and Awungba territories, as well as Kebhu descendants from Bunyoro and Arua, underscoring the community’s deep cross-border ties. Organising committee leaders thanked the Kebhu diaspora for their contributions, saying their support ensured the success of the day’s events.
A New Era for the Kebhu People
Minister for Internal and Kingdom Affairs Francis Bolingo called the coronation “a new chapter for every Kebhu wherever they are,” urging unity, love and the collective push for recognition and development.
The Kebhu flag, yellow for sunshine, green for ever-growing fields, and red for brotherhood, flew proudly over the ceremony. Four ancestral chiefdoms, Ondhikuru, Yuu, Avaji and Emgbathama, were represented, each deeply rooted in generations of cultural lore.
Community members expressed strong hopes for King Kevio’s leadership. Counsellor Joan of the Lekenda Clan appealed for action against illiteracy, while Innocent Ongewun of the Zamba Clan emphasised the need for unity, development and jobs. Hitler Awonge from Alube asked the King to elevate Kebhu interests to the national agenda.
A newly composed kingdom anthem, Kebhu Araga, was performed with emotion, recounting the origin of the kingdom and rallying renewed cultural strength. Celebrations continued through on Saturday, November 15, at Alangi Playground in Barunze Village.
How the Kebhu King Is Chosen
The Kebhu succession process is anchored in cultural consultation and clan consensus. Nine months after a king’s death or abdication, the Prime Minister temporarily holds the royal stool. Clan chiefs then meet, deliberate and select the successor, who is later presented before the full assembly of Kebhu subjects for endorsement.
The Kebhu, historically renowned as blacksmiths, number an estimated 54,000 in Zombo’s Alangi and Kango sub-counties, with millions more across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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