President Museveni bestowed upon the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, and his queen, Jovia Mutesi, a gift of 100 heads of cattle following their wedding ceremony on November 18, 2023.
During a luncheon at State House Entebbe in honor of the royal couple, President Museveni emphasized the tradition of generosity, stating, “In our culture, when a child gets a wife, it’s customary to present a gift. Therefore, I am giving them 100 cows as a token of welcome.”
Expressing his happiness for the union, President Museveni conveyed, “I congratulate Gabula on finding a wife. I have known him for a long time and used to wonder why he always visited me alone. I am pleased that he has finally found a companion.” He also acknowledged the significance of introducing the queen to elders and extended gratitude to the family by presenting an additional 20 cows.
Ms. Mutesi, daughter of Bulambuli Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole and Rebecca Nakisita Bayole, assumed the title of Inhebantu of Busoga upon her marriage to the Kyabazinga at Christ’s Cathedral, Bugembe. This event marked the first royal wedding in the kingdom in 67 years.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, and former Vice Presidents Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and Specioza Kazibwe. President Museveni’s son and daughter-in-law, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Charlotte Kainerugaba, were also present.
