Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Police are holding a Journalist on allegations of trying to ‘sabotage’ the Busoga Royal Wedding between Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV and Ms Jovia Mutesi.
According to police reports, the suspect was trying to extort money from Kyabazinga’s father-in-law, also the Bulambuli Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Stanley Bayoole.
“He was blackmailing, trying to extorting Shs 200m from the Kyabazinga’s father-in-law, while threatening to share certain information with the public regarding his family,” said Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, adding that the suspect has since been released on bond.
The Kampala Dispatch has established that prior to his arrest, the suspect published some information on his social media platforms alleging that Mr Bayoole is not the biological father of the incoming Queen (Inhebantu) of Busoga Kingdom. Police however denied the arrest of more suspects.
“No investigation is ongoing and we have not arrested any other suspect apart from the journalist,” Enanga said.
The development comes after Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, ordered police to arrest all people behind the alleged fake court documents that are circulating on socia media aimed at disrupting preparations for the Royal Wedding.
“I have formally reported these malicious and defamatory statements to police and other security agencies who have since commenced investigations into these criminal and illicit activities,” Dr Muvawala told journalists at the Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe on Saturday last week.
“Investigations have since led to the arrest of some culprits who are offering useful guides on the motives and persons behind those social media blackmail activities. The general public will be notified on subsequent action and prosecution,” Dr Muvawala added.
The royal couple’s union is set to be solemnized in a church ceremony on November 18, 2023, marking the public introduction of Mutesi as the esteemed Inhebantu to the entire Busoga Kingdom. To ensure the success of this momentous occasion, a committee consisting of 23 members has been established to oversee the wedding arrangements.
Heading the royal wedding organizing committee is Milly Babalanda, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, who will serve as the Local Governments’ mobilizer. Justine Lumumba, the Minister of General Duties, has been appointed as the head of media, while Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director of KCCA, will be responsible for special assignments. Dr. Mohammed Lubega, the chairman of the Uganda Moslem Supreme Council, has taken on the crucial role of general coordinator, and David Batema, the resident judge of Iganga High Court, is also part of the committee.
To facilitate the contribution process of the Busoga Royal Wedding, a dedicated Centenary Bank account has been unveiled, along with Airtel money and MTN mobile money merchant codes. These financial channels, registered under the name “The Kyabazinga of Busoga,” will enable well-wishers from the Busoga sub-region and around the world to send their monetary support effortlessly. This inclusive approach aims to gather funds seamlessly for the success of the upcoming royal celebration.
Meanwhile, Alison Anna Nadiope has formally lodged a petition with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda in an effort to impede the forthcoming Royal Wedding. The impending union involves the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Nadiope IV, and Jovia Mutesi, and is scheduled to take place on November 18, 2023, at Christ’s Cathedral – Bugembe in Jinja City.
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Alison asserts that the Kyabazinga is already married, prompting her objection. According to her petition dated November 8, 2023, Alison states that she entered into matrimony with the Kyabazinga in December 2016 in Portsmouth, England, under Marriage Certificate AK594729L. She also claims that they share parenthood of two children, aged eight and six.
Through legal representation by Mugerwa & Partners Advocates and Solicitors, Alison has notified the church of her objection and has requested the Church of Uganda to refrain from proceeding with the wedding of Mr. William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, and Ms. Jovia Mutesi. Alison argues that such an act would constitute bigamy and go against established church norms.
The petition was officially received on November 9, 2023, but as of now, the Church of Uganda has not issued any comments on this matter.
