Jinja, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Jovia Mutesi has officially assumed her role in royalty by exchanging vows with the monarch, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV, in a ceremony that blended century-old Anglican canons, ancient cultural rituals, and regal majesty. The union took place at Christ’s Cathedral in Jinja City on November 18, 2023, marking Busoga’s 5th queen.
In a historic move, 35-year-old Gabula Nadiope IV became the first king to be wedded at Busoga Diocesan’s iconic headquarters, Christ’s Church Cathedral in Jinja City’s Bugembe Township, on his father-in-law Stanley Bayoole’s 49th birthday.
The world witnessed the wedding at approximately 1:43 pm as the couple recited their vows, followed by the exchange of rings nearly 10 minutes later, symbolizing their commitment to eternity. Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu presided over the ceremony, highlighting the significance of marriage between one man and one woman, drawing reference from the biblical Genesis.
The congregation, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and numerous politicians, public figures, and royalty from Uganda and beyond, gathered under giant tents in an outdoor service with over 2,000 guests. A choir of at least 100 members enriched the ceremony with a blend of modern and cultural liturgy.
The event, broadcast on Uganda’s leading televisions, attracted over 10 million viewers, with crowds lining the procession routes from Kamuli and Mayuge Districts to cheer the royal couple. Security measures were heightened with deployments on the Nile waters and on the ground, ensuring the safety of the ceremony.
Kyabazinga Nadiope IV, born on November 1, 1988, is the son of Uganda’s first Vice President Wilson Gabula Nadiope II and Josephine Nadiope. Jovia Mutesi, the first-born daughter of a Resident District Commissioner, joins the lineage of queens, succeeding four others since 1939.
The royal wedding, a rare occurrence in Busoga, echoed a historical precedent set in February 1956 when Henry Wako Muloki married Alice Kintu Muloki. The celebration continued as the royal couple headed to the reception at the Igenge Palace, trailed by crowds eager to witness this momentous occasion.
