NEXT MOVE! Museveni Government Finally Announces Way Forward Weeks after Chiefs Fired Kyabazinga Gabula Nadiope IV

President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s government has announced its official position on the crisis in Busoga Kingdom following a decision by a section of chiefs to sack Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.

On January 03, a section of members of the council of chiefs fired Kyabazinga Nadiope Gabula IV (Read story here).

First, Prime Minister Katuukiro Dr Joseph Muvawala issued a statement insisting Nadiope Gabula IV was still Kyabazinga and would rule Busoga until he dies.

Hours later, the six chiefs called a press conference to cement their position on the ‘sacking’ of Kyabazinga Gabula IV. (Read what they said here).

Kyabazinga Nadiope Gabula IV has since cracked the whip against some the chiefs, with their vehicles (which had been donated by President Museveni) confiscated, while others have been dethroned. (Read story here).

Some of the chiefs have also demanded that the Kyabazinga should hand over office. (Read story here).

MUSEVENI GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Now, through the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGSLD), government has given its position on the Kyabazinga crisis.

On January 14, Katuukiro Muvawala wrote to MoGLSD seeking the ministry’s intervention in the crisis that was sparked off by the chiefs’ declaration in which they sacked Gabula.

A week later, James Ebitu, the mnistry’s permanent secretary, wrote to Muvawala confirming that government still recognizes the Gabula as King.

Ebitu also saluted the Katuukiro, who doubles as the executive director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), for the manner in which he has handled the crisis.

“The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development appreciates your timely response of the Public Notice and Declaration dated 3rd January, 2022 in respect to matters of the Kyabazingaship,” wrote Ebitu.

“The Ministry acknowledges the good stewardship of the Katuukiro of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga and will continue working closely with the office of His Royal Highness the gazzetted Isebantu Kyabazinga, William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, on matters of Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga.”

This means that Gabula will remain the king of Busoga for now.

Ebitu also assured Muvawala that the “ministry has taken note of the matter.”