Thousands of Basoga and cultural leaders from across Uganda have converged at the Mayuge District Headquarters grounds in Bunha Chiefdom to mark the 12th coronation anniversary of His Majesty Isebantu Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV.
The celebrations, locally known as ‘Amatikira ga Isebantu Kyabazinga’ were originally scheduled for September 13th, 2026, but were postponed to allow Ugandans to attend the burial of Tooro King Kabumba Ikingura Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. The Office of the Katuukiro announced the change on September 2nd, saying the decision was made to honour the fallen monarch.
The anniversary held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, marks 12 years since Gabula Nadiope IV ascended the throne. Kingdom officials describe the reign as transformative for unity in Busoga.
The Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, Yudaya Babirye said unity is one of the key achievements of Nadiope’s reign, noting that previous divisions have ended and the kingdom now owns a modern palace. She also credited the Kyabazinga’s campaign dubbed ‘Abasadha Mpango’ Men are the Pillars with contributing to a decline in teenage pregnancies in Busoga.
Katuukiro Dr. Joseph Muvawala said the ceremony will be used to eulogise the fallen Omukama of Tooro, who died in the United States on August 27th at the age of 34. The Kyabazinga earlier mourned Oyo as a visionary traditional leader whose humility and cultural work left a lasting mark.
Today in Mayuge, cultural drummers, clan heads, and subjects in traditional kanzus and gomesi are celebrating Busoga’s heritage while paying tribute to a brother kingdom. The event, being held in the home district of Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi Nadiope, is expected to be graced by representatives from Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro and the government.
