Kyabazinga uses 11th coronation to rally against malaria, teen pregnancies

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The Kyabazinga of Busoga, Isabirye William Gabula Nadiope IV, marked his 11th coronation anniversary on September 13, 2025, with a colourful ceremony in Jinja city.

The celebrations, held at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters ground in Butembe chiefdom, attracted thousands of people under the theme “A Malaria Free Busoga for Generations to Come.”

Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV's convoy leaving the Igenge Palace en route to the venue of his Coronation Anniversary at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the event.

The Kyabazinga was welcomed by the Busoga kingdom’s prime minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, who was accompanied by his first deputy, Prof. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, and second deputy, Osman Noor Ahmed.

Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV (left) waving to his subjects while at his 11th Coronation Anniversary event at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The monarch was led to the venue by Busoga kingdom’s minister of culture, Owek. Richard Mafumo, where he sounded his royal drums, including Mwenemu Alimu and Naizungwe. He then walked around the tents, waving to his subjects.

In his address, the Kyabazinga called for unity among his people to promote development. He also urged stakeholders to join the fight against malaria and tackle the causes of teenage pregnancies in the sub-region.

Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV (left) sounding a Royal Drum while at his 11th Coronation Anniversary event at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The monarch rallied his subjects to take advantage of government programmes aimed at boosting household incomes. He further called upon fathers, brothers, and leaders to protect girls and support the fight against teenage pregnancies through his Abasadha N’emoango programme, implemented under his office.

Prime Minister Nabbanja read President Museveni’s message, congratulating the Kyabazinga on welcoming two royal princes into his family.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja (left) and Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda (middle) join Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV (2nd left) in cutting cake as Busoga Kingdom Ministers Yudaya babirye (2nd right) and Richard Mafumo (right) look on while at the 11th Coronation Anniversary event of Kyabazinga at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

“We all have a part to play in making the NRM vision come to pass, and we should master our might without compromise to work hard in the government eradication programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other Wealth Creation initiatives,” Museveni said.

Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV (right) serving cake to members of his Royal Family while at his 11th Coronation Anniversary event at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Nabbanja later handed over sh20 million, adding to the sh60 million earlier sent by the President as his contribution to organising the anniversary. The money was handed to prime minister Muvawala.

The event concluded with Prime Minister Nabbanja and Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda joining the Kyabazinga to cut a cake, which he shared with his subjects.

From L-R; Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye, Prof Wasswa Balunywa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja, Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV, Minister for Presidency Mulli Babirye Babalanda, Busoga Kingdom's Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala and his 2nd deputy Osman Noor Ahmed in a group photograph while at the 11th Coronation Anniversary event of Kyabazinga at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground on Saturday in Jinja City. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Those in attendance included KCCA executive director Buzeki Sharifah and her deputy Benon Kigenyi, former KCCA ED Dorothy Kisaka, Busoga Royal Concepts chairman Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, gender ministry permanent secretary Aggrey Kibenge, a delegation from Buganda kingdom led by Noah Kiyimba, members of the royal family, in-laws of the Kyabazinga led by Stanley Bayole (father of Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi), royal chiefs from the 11 Busoga chiefdoms, kingdom ministers, Busoga MPs, the Busoga Youth Council and religious leaders.