Why Kyabazinga wants tree seedlings to replace wreaths
“I am encouraging all subjects to buy and plant tree seedlings and plant them in memory of the deceased. Trees manifest a legacy of environmental protection and prolong one’s legacy,” he says.
The senior prince’s death occurred at his home on Brewer Road in Lufula Ndiizi cell in southern division, Kamuli Municipality. (Photos by Tom Gwebayanga)
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Busoga king (Kyabazinga) William Gabula Nadiope 1V, has urged his subjects to move from laying wreaths on caskets to planting wood trees in memory of deceased persons.
Save for the expensive wreaths that wither a few days after burial, Nadiope says, once mature, the trees provide fruits, timber, shade, and preserve the environment.
“I am encouraging all subjects to buy and plant tree seedlings and plant them in memory of the deceased. Trees manifest a legacy of environmental protection and prolong one’s legacy,” he says.
The king's remarks were delivered through Busoga Kingdom premier Dr Joseph Muvawala on May 2, 2026, during the burial of Bugabula Chiefdom chief prince Henry Woira Mitala Kitimbo, 75, at Buyimbo Cell in Namwendwa town in Kamuli district.
The deceased was a member of Busoga Chief’s Royal Council (BCRC), the 11-man team that elects the Kyabazinga and has been Nadiope's representative at cultural/ political functions and also the Bugabula Chiefdom (Kamuli, Buyende political districts) representative to Busoga Lukiiko.
He was one of the Kyabazinga’s cultural mentors and has been in charge of the Royal Archives that house the royal regalia and regalia in Budhumbula Palace, the Books of the History of Busoga/Bugabula Chiefdom, the ancestral albums, among other secrets.
Orphans of the late Prince Woira. 
Muvawala eulogised Woira, saying he was a committed servant who loved and promoted Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga (OBB), taught and encouraged communities to embrace Kisoga culture and to love the Kyabazinga.
The sendoff was presided over by Busoga Bishop Prof. Grace Lubaale, who charged mourners to live with a purpose and also learn to mentor their juniors at workplaces.
“In your office as the Boss, don’t oppress others because time will come and you will expire. Learn to mentor your juniors. Being a head teacher for 15 years and fail to mentor a successor is quite embarrassing,” Lubaale said.
First Deputy Prime Minister, also the Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, urged the Royal Clan and the Kyabazinga to select an appropriate successor to carry on Woira’s legacy, who is survived by 20 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.