On the 18th, of November 2023, Uganda, particularly the Busoga community witnessed a historical event of the Kyabazinga royal wedding that took place in Jinja. The Kingdom had for months-long been preparing for the function.
As part of the Kyabazinga’s wedding preparations, a fundraising campaign was launched right after Katukiiro (Prime Minister) Joseph Muvawala’s announcement that the Kyabazinga would be marrying in November.
It had been a tediously long time since the last Busoga royal wedding. It happened almost seven decades ago when the Late Kyabazinga Henry Wako Muloki wedded Alice Kintu who unfortunately also passed away as well.
Up to this point, the Kingdom is reported to have amassed a great amount of money from friends and relatives, the majority of which has been used for preparations, including refurbishing the church where the wedding took place, arranging the location for the reception, and making sure the guests are well fed.
Where did the Kyabazinga royal wedding take place?
The Kyabazinga Royal wedding took place at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe where Lady Jovia Mutesi walked down the aisle and was given away by her brother to the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope Gabula IV.
For the first time, a Kyabazinga is taking his marital vows in the location of the 55-year-old Cathedral, which was given to the Church of Uganda by Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga.
In the entire history of Busoga royal weddings, this is the second one! In preparation, Drums sounded all day Friday in Jinja City as several Busoga townships prepared, danced, and celebrated in the streets ahead of the big day.
William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope Gabula IV & Lady Jovia Mutesi’s relationship
Mutesi, a “reserved and a well culturally” raised woman estimated to be in her later 20s, had reportedly been quietly dating the Kyabazinga, according to sources.
From Makerere University, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
The official announcement of the Inhebantu from the Bugweri district’s “Baise Menha” clan was made at the official unveiling of Ms Mutesi, according to Dr Muvawala.
Bishop who wedded Kyabazinga and wife Mutesi
The Arch Bishop of the Province of Uganda, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu oversaw their wedding proceedings at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe, in Jinja.
During the wedding ceremony, Arch-Bishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu strongly urged Ugandans to stay away from LGBTQ. He said that marriage should only be between a man and a woman and not members of the same sex.
The church where the royal wedding took place
It’s said that this was the first unique wedding ceremony at the 51-year-old, 1000-seater Cathedral. On August 13, 1972, Namirembe Diocese split off to become the Busoga Diocese, which is now home to the magnificent Church and its headquarters.
The Royal Wedding of Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV and Queen-to-be Jovia Mutesi took place on November 18, 2023, in this sacred location.
Key guests that attended the Kyabazinga Royal wedding
Celebrities from a wide range of cultures graced the occasion, including politicians like Rebecca Kadaga and Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, as well as Queen Sylvia Nagginda of Buganda and Queen Best Kemigisa Akiiki of Tooro.
President Museveni was also set to grace the event but unfortunately, he did not attend. Instead, he sent Jessica Alupo to represent him. Alupo delivered the president’s customary gift of 20 cows. She then went ahead to pass on Museveni’s message that he would invite the newly wedded couple to the State House.
After the church ceremony, the couple held their reception at the Iganga Palace, in a huge outdoor tent. The event was graced by over 2000 guests who happily sat as they were serenaded by a choir of at least 100 members.
The first son, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was present at the couple’s reception.
Those that were unable to attend, followed the proceedings as they were broadcast on most of Uganda’s leading television channels.
Hundreds of police and soldiers were also deployed on the ground to survey and ensure that they’re are no threats. The huge crowds however overpowered the police and made it to the reception grounds to catch a better glimpse of the Busoga King and his new wife.
Conclusion
That’s our full story of the Kyabazinga royal wedding. Saturday, November 18, 2023, will forever be a day to remember the history of Busoga and the entire nation as a whole. His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope made his way down the aisle and wed his better half Jovia Mutesi.
