Church of Uganda Faces Injunction Threat Amid Allegations of Kyabazinga’s Legal Marriage

As of the close of Monday, the Church of Uganda (CoU) maintained a silence concerning the upcoming November 18 Busoga royal wedding of King (Kyabazinga) William Gabula Nadiope IV and Jovia Mutesi.

With just four days left until the historic event, preparations have been thrown into uncertainty due to a recent threat of a court injunction directed at Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu and Busoga Bishop Rt Rev Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye.

The injunction, issued by Mugerwa and Partners Advocates and Solicitors on behalf of a woman named Alison Anna Nadiope, aims to halt the wedding on the grounds that the Kyabazinga is legally married.

The letter, dated November 8, 2023, asserts, “Our client is legally married to William Gabula, the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, having celebrated a civil marriage in December 2016 at Milldam House Bunbaby Road, Portsmouth PO13AF under marriage certificate AK5947291.”

Despite the official receipt of the court injunction threat by Busoga Diocese secretary Persis Faith Wakabi on November 9, the Church of Uganda has not issued an official statement.

On Saturday, the Church’s communications officer Adams Sadiiki declined to comment, directing inquiries to a statement from Busoga Kingdom. However, upon insistence for a statement from the Church of Uganda, Sadiiki requested to be contacted after two hours. Despite this, he continued to send messages, claiming he was driving.

When contacted on Sunday, Sadiiki responded via WhatsApp, stating, “This is well received; let me consult our chancellor or legal advisor for a proper response.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from Bishop Naimanhye on Friday were unsuccessful, with the prelate suggesting a call at 9:30 pm due to his reported attendance at the burial of former Minister Dr. David Kazungu in Kamuli District. However, he has not responded to Monitor calls since then.

Alison, the complainant, initially took the Kyabazinga to court in the United Kingdom, alleging a civil marriage in December 2016. She contends that the Kyabazinga has not divorced her and entering into another marriage would constitute bigamy, punishable under UK law.

The letter also claims that the Kyabazinga and Alison have two children. Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, disputes these allegations, stating that the Kyabazinga has never been married and does not have children, declaring the documents circulating on social media as defamatory and false. Muvawala has reported the matter to the police and initiated legal proceedings against those involved in what he deems criminal activities.