Omukama Gets Wife

By Amlan TumusiimeTHE Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, was on Saturday introduced by Margaret Karunga.The ceremony that was kept secret was held at Kyaka in Kyenjojo district, at the home of the girl’s father, Serevesto Muganda. Karunga comes from the Ababboopi clan.Highly-placed kingdom sources told The New Vision that Iguru did not attend the ceremony in person but was represented by a 15-man delegation led by the Babiito clan leader, Okwir Erizura Rwakabale. Culturally, the king is not supposed to attend an introduction ceremony. Sources said Iguru was in Kololo, Kampala on that day, attending the 16th NRM anniversary celebrations.The kingdom Prime Minister, Erisa Byenkya Kagoro, confirmed the reports but declined to give details.“It is true the ceremony took place and I was even a member on the delegation but I will give you the details later,” Byenkya, who has held the office for two months now, said.Sources said several gifts including 18 head of cattle, crates of beer, sodas, tonto, (local brew) and clothes were also presented to the girl’s family.Sources said the ceremony, though attended by a few people, was jovial and was also attended by other Babiito from the Toro kingdom.The New Vision could not establish the age of Karunga, the queen-to-be, and her background. Sources also said Karunga had never appeared with the king in public.A source that attended the ceremony also said Muganda was happy to have his daughter marrying the king. He said arrangements for the made.Iguru has often appeared at public functions with a companion, Evelyn Mbabazi, who hails from Bwera, Kasese.Sources said Mbabazi would shift to Iguru’s Kihande Palace in Masindi.Ends