Busoga congratulates Kyabazinga on new prince
"The Royal Family extends heartfelt appreciation to the people of Busoga, family, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, love and goodwill during this joyous occasion," it added.
William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi with Prince Nadiope Ezra Josiah. (Courtesy photo)
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The Busoga Kingdom has announced the birth of a new royal prince, in a double celebration that coincides with the birthday of William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga.
The announcement of Gabula's third son was made Thursday (November 5) at Igenge Royal Palace in Jinja City by Prince Arnold Nadiope, brother to the Kyabazinga. In an official announcement, the Kingdom identified the newborn as Prince Nadiope Ezra Josiah, born on November 01, 2026.
"In a special and remarkable coincidence, the young Prince Nadiope Ezra Josiah shares his birthday with His Majesty the Kyabazinga, making this occasion even more memorable for the Royal Family and the Kingdom of Busoga. Both Her Royal Highness the Inhebantu and the newborn Prince are in excellent health", the announcement reads.
"The Royal Family extends heartfelt appreciation to the people of Busoga, family, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, love and goodwill during this joyous occasion," it added.
The announcement quoted Psalm 127:3: _"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him."
A blessing and guarantee of continuity
During an interview at the palace, the Isabakungania of Busoga (Head of Clans Council) and Minister of Culture, Richard Mafumo, said the birth of Prince Nadiope Ezra Josiah gives us hope, as far as cultural institutions are concerned.
"It gives us hope, and also guarantees the continuity of the kingdom, because we are very much aware the kingdom is headed by His Majesty Kyabazinga, and according to the Busoga culture, we know that whoever becomes the Kyabazinga comes from that lineage of the royals."
Named after Grandfather Josiah
"So we are very happy for the royal birth of the prince, Prince Ezra. And we are grateful for God blessing us as the kingdom and the people of the royal family and the Nadiope family," Prince Wilson Nadiope said.
He described grandfather, Josiah, as educated, industrious and one of the most instrumental men who have ever lived in their lineage, the centre of the development of the palace of Budhumbula in Kamuli district.
"He was the first educated person in Busoga. He studied at King's College. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to proceed because of royal commitments. But by that time he was at King's College; he was the first person to be baptised among the first Christians.”
The announcement at Igenge was witnessed by several members of the Royal Family and Kingdom officials, including Prince Richard Gabula, Prince Daniel Kitimbo, Busoga Kingdom's Minister of State for Finance Ivan Kiirya and Princess Grace Namuwaya from Kigulu chiefdom.
The birth of Prince Ezra Josiah marks the third child of the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu, and has been received with celebrations across Busoga.