Summary:
- Kangabaije supports Prime Minister Byakutaaga’s extended term, praising his contributions to Bunyoro. They deny bribery allegations and call for unity among kingdom leaders amid concerns over the Omukama’s health. The Babiito clan and Chief Prince Rucunya insist Byakutaaga’s term has expired, planning a meeting on July 14 to address the issue.
The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom is currently embroiled in a deepening rift between its royalty, administration, and the Royal Commission, each vying for authority in the kingdom’s governance and the appointment and dismissal of the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister).
The focal point of contention revolves around Omuhikirwa Andrew Kirungi Byakutaaga, whose term, along with that of the Royal Parliament and cabinet ministers, was initially extended by the Royal Commission after expiring on October 19, 2023. This extension was due to expire on June 30, 2024, leading to expectations that Byakutaaga would relinquish his office.
Chief Prince Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya emphasized this expectation during a press conference at Da Place Hotel in Hoima city on July 1, 2024. The conference, attended by other royal clan members, was prompted by conflicting communications from the kingdom’s communication department and the Royal Commission, which circulated widely on social media.
A communique dated July 1, 2024, signed by Kingdom Communication Manager Francis Mugerwa, claimed that Byakutaaga’s contract remained open indefinitely. However, Royal Commission Chairman Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa’s correspondence, dated June 25, 2024, acknowledged the June 30 expiry of Byakutaaga’s tenure and indicated that the matter was under the Commission’s deliberation following authorization from the Omukama.
In his communication, Mugerwa clarified that Byakutaaga was appointed by Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I in January 2018 with an open-ended contract, directing him to report to the Royal Commission. The Commission, in turn, was tasked with overseeing Byakutaaga’s duties and providing terms of reference.
Bunyoro’s prominent pressure group, Kangabaije, has expressed no objection to Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Kirungi Byakutaaga Ateenyi’s extended term as long as he maintains his integrity.
Kangabaije Chairman Geoffrey Sunday emphasized that seeing Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafaabusa Iguru I active in Hoima city reassures them of his decision-making capacity, including any decisions about Byakutaaga’s position.
Sunday criticized the actions of Chief Prince (Okwiri) Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya and the Royal Commission, labeling them as overstepping their bounds. He noted that Byakutaaga, like Rucunya, holds an open-ended contract and should continue in his role unless the Omukama decides otherwise.
Sunday commended Byakutaaga for his contributions, such as constructing perimeter walls around the palace and the Royal Parliament building. He urged patience regarding the Omukama’s health and defended the king’s right to remain silent, even for extended periods.
Addressing allegations of receiving a Shs5m bribe to support Byakutaaga, Sunday firmly denied them, stating their efforts are voluntary and not aimed at defending anyone.
Kangabaije members, including Kassim Asiimwe, voiced frustration over the ongoing crisis among kingdom leaders and called for unity among the Prime Minister, Chief Prince, and Royal Commission to provide clarity to the Banyoro.
Regarding the legality of Byakutaaga’s open-ended contract, the group affirmed its cultural appropriateness, emphasizing the king’s ultimate authority.
Kangabaije suggests presidential intervention if the conflicting parties fail to resolve their differences, citing a conflict of interest among them.
Babiito Clan’s Stand:
- Byakutaaga’s term, along with the cabinet and Royal Parliament members, expired in October last year, extended to June 30, 2024, and has since expired again.
- Prince Charles Ochaki Nyabongo insists that the king’s memory issues do not incapacitate him from being moved or making decisions, and the king requires support.
- Chief Prince Rucunya asserts that Byakutaaga is aware of his expired term and that a meeting involving palace officials, including the queen and queen mother, will address the matter on July 14, 2024.
editorial@examiner.co.ug
