Bunyoro king has best medical care — Kingdom premier

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MASINDI - Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Premier Andrew Byakutaga has dismissed allegations that the Omukama (king) Solomon Gafabusa Iguru is not being taken care of medically. 

Byakutaga has described Gafabusa's medical insurance as the best.

Byakutaga's comments follow the October 4, 2024, Hoima High Court Judge Jesse Byaruhanga ruling that the Gafabusa should be taken to India for specialised treatment.

"I have a confident team and the royal family who have ensured that the king's health is appropriately taken care of. I can assure you that the King has the best insurance medical scheme which includes the package of evacuation in case of need. So, when I hear stories being generated that the king is not being taken care of I get surprised," Byakutaga says.

He made the remarks while officiating at the Annual General Meeting of Kabalega Secondary School Old Boys Association (KASSOBA) on October 5, 2024, at Kabalega SS in Masindi town.

Describing the judicial officer who passed the judgment as a clever judicial officer, Byakutaga noted that the king's medical care was priority number one for the kingdom.

"There are individuals who have gone around creating this narrative of how the king is not being taken care of. We know them and the reason they're doing this. We will not allow them benefit from this narrative they're creating. As Banyoro, I would like to assure you that the king has the best treatment. Be calm because the king is being taken care of. There's no one who will usurp the powers of the king," Byakutaga added.
10-year-old case

The ruling was a result of an application filed in 2014 by Prince Apolo Kisoro, the former Bunyoro kingdom tourism minister and personal assistant to the king following the King’s ill health.

Byakutaga has described Gafabusa's medical insurance as the best. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)

In his application, Prince Kisoro was seeking court to issue orders to take the king to the hospital for medical treatment in India because he was ill yet those taking charge of him were not bothered about his deteriorating health condition.

The High Court in Hoima ordered that the King be taken for specialised medical treatment in India or any other hospital in the world with the best facilities.  

"I have secured appointments with different hospitals in New Delhi, India and I have mobilised enough financial resources to take care of the king’s medical treatment, travel and attendants," Kisoro indicated in his application.

The applicant was represented by Counsel Jotham Mugarura and Counsel Elias Tumwebaze who argued that King Iguru has been sickly and weak and needs urgent medical attention anywhere in Uganda or any other part of the world. 

They noted that Prince Kisoro was acting in the interest of the King of Bunyoro, which compelled him to make the process of the treatment.

They stated that once the Omukama secures the specialised medical treatment he will be able to perform his official duties. 

In his ruling, Byaruhanga ordered that the Omukama of Bunyoro is mandated to enjoy his right to health irrespective of his current health status. He added that the King should be taken for medical examination and further management.

Kisoro was happy with the ruling saying that the application has been in court for the last 10 years.

Tension within in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom administration escalated recently following conflicts between the Babiito which is the ruling clan and  Byakutaga, the Kingdom’s prime minister.  

On September 2, 2024, the Babiito clan dismissed Byakutaga and appointed an interim cabinet.