Kyabazinga Royal Wedding: Church and Kingdoms Address Mabirizi Lawsuit

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Summary:

• The Church of Uganda, along with the Busoga and Buganda Kingdoms, responds to lawyer Male Mabirizi’s legal challenge against the Royal Wedding, asserting that the wedding was conducted appropriately, while Mabirizi alleges void marriage, prompting the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to take over the case.

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The Church of Uganda, along with the Busoga and Buganda Kingdoms, has responded to a legal challenge initiated by lawyer Male Mabirizi at the Jinja High Court. Mabirizi is contesting the validity of the Royal Wedding between Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV and Ms Jovia Mutesi, which took place on November 18 at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja North City Division. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

During the wedding, Archbishop Mugalu invited anyone with legitimate reasons for the wedding not to proceed to come forward, but no one did. Nevertheless, on November 20, Mr. Mabirizi filed a lawsuit seeking to annul the marriage. The lawsuit targets the Kyabazinga, his new spouse, Archbishop Mugalu, and the Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Ms. Sylvia Nagginda.

Specifically, Mabirizi accuses the Kyabazinga of knowingly entering into a void marriage, alleging that he is already married to one Alison Anne. Ms. Mutesi is accused of knowingly marrying a married man, despite purported warnings. Archbishop Mugalu is charged with overseeing the marriage vows, while Ms. Nagginda is accused of signing the marriage certificate as a witness.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken over the case, citing constitutional provisions.

In response, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, asserts that the Church acted appropriately in conducting the wedding. Mr. Muheebwa explains that the Church lawyers thoroughly examined the situation, and there were no substantial reasons to prevent the wedding at the time.

The Spokesperson of Buganda Kingdom, Mr. Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, dismisses Mabirizi’s case, stating that they are not concerned, as they have successfully countered his efforts on multiple occasions. He characterizes Mabirizi as consistently engaging in losing battles.

Prior to the Royal Wedding, the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Mr. Joseph Muvawala, stated that the Kyabazinga has never been married in any recognized form, has not fathered any children, and that no one has obtained a marriage certificate as claimed by Ms. Alison.

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