Bugabula Chiefdom, which comprises Kamuli and Buyende districts, will commemorate its 13th Gabula Day on September 9, with the celebrations scaled down to honour the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Nadiope Gabula IV, has directed that Busoga Kingdom and Bugabula Chiefdom flags be flown at half-mast until the Tooro King is buried.
The Deputy Katukkiro of Bugabula, Mr Ronald Watongola, said the chiefdom would use this year's Gabula Day to formally pay tribute to the late King, citing the historical ties between Busoga and Tooro.
“We are mourning our ancestral King. The Basoga came from Bunyoro and have a rich history with Tooro. Gabula Day remains on the programme, but the Kyabazinga Day celebrations have been pushed forward,” Mr Watongola said.
He said the main celebrations will be held at Kitaidhumba Primary School in Kidera Sub County, Buyende District, preceded by a visit on September 8 to eight progressive farmers selected to serve as model farmers for the chiefdom.
Mr Emmanuel Babalanda, the Bugabula Chiefdom royal chief and Prince (Isaabalangira), said Gabula Day was established to strengthen cultural identity, preserve history and honour the contribution of Busoga's forefathers to Uganda's independence.
He said the week-long activities are also intended to revive Bugabula's socio-economic potential, promote cultural values and strengthen clan systems.
“This year, the Kyabazinga will commission a community school he constructed to improve education for children in the fishing community. He upgraded it from a grass-thatched structure to a modern school with classrooms and proper latrines,” Mr Babalanda said.
He said the Kyabazinga became involved after learning about the condition of the school while pursuing his master's degree.
“The Kyabazinga is passionate about child protection, education and family stability. When he was informed about the grass-thatched school, he took over the project to secure the children's future. That is why Gabula Day was taken there,” he said.
Mr Babalanda said the Kyabazinga was also promoting agriculture through cocoa growing, irrigation farming and improvement of local cattle breeds.
How Gabula Day started
Kamuli District Local Government, under then LCV chairperson Salaam Musumba, gazetted September 9 in 2013 as Gabula Day to celebrate the coronation of Prince Gabula IV as Gabula of Bugabula, promote cultural values and demonstrate solidarity.
The inaugural event, held in 2013, included activities aimed at reviving clan councils and promoting family planning, home management, sanitation and hygiene, youth entrepreneurship, interfaith prayers, talent shows and the Kyabazinga Marathon.
The celebrations also sought to document clan identities, totems and omubala, while developing business plans for youths and clan councils.
The event was attended by President Museveni and came amid debate over who would be enthroned as Kyabazinga between Columbus Wambuzi of Bulamogi and Gabula IV of Bugabula.
Musumba, who was then Kamuli LC5 chairperson, said the celebrations were intended to rebuild Bugabula's dignity and pride.
“Gabula is our identity, flagship and symbol of hope. We are going to give our best in unity in diversity. We are also using this day to rebuild dignity and pride of Bugabula, showcase, renew, re-inspire, re-engineer and reinvent the glorious past,” he said.
Speaking at the 13th coronation anniversary of Prince Gabula IV at Budhumbula Palace, President Museveni said the decision on who should become Kyabazinga rested with the 11 hereditary royal chiefs.
“The issue of the Kyabazinga is in their hands, not me. I only help and will soon call them so that they tell me how far they have gone,” Mr Museveni said.
He also spoke of his historical connection to the Nadiope family, recalling that former Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Nadiope, Mutesa II and Grace Ibingira opposed former president Milton Obote's rule.
Mr Museveni said he later appointed Prof Wilson Nadiope, son of the former Kyabazinga, to his first Cabinet. Prof Wilson Nadiope died while Gabula IV was still a child.
Prince Gabula IV is the son of the late Prof Wilson Nadiope, who served as Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in President Museveni's first government, and Ms Josephine Nadiope.
A symbol of hope
Ms Veronica Babirye Kadogo, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP and princess, described Gabula IV as an inspiration and symbol of hope for Busoga.
She said the Kyabazinga combines modern and traditional leadership values and has advocated for women's and girls' empowerment and an end to gender-based violence, defilement and teenage pregnancies.
“As an ambassador for children, the Kyabazinga is a replica of his parents. He loves children and is a leader with eyes and ears, a peacemaker and an independent thinker. The school is a treasured gift to children in Bugabula and Buyende,” Ms Kadogo said.
