Dark Month! Bunyoro Kingdom Rocked By Leadership War As Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Falls Ill

By Swift Reporter

Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom is facing fresh leadership uncertainty after Chief Prince Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri, disclosed that Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru is unwell and called for changes in the kingdom’s administration.

Speaking to journalists, Mugenyi said the Omukama was experiencing health challenges but did not disclose the nature or severity of his condition.

He instead appealed to Bunyoro subjects, friends of the kingdom and other well-wishers to pray for the monarch’s recovery. The report of the Omukama’s condition comes as disagreements over the kingdom’s leadership structure continue.

At the same time, Mugenyi has renewed his call for Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi to leave office, arguing that his tenure expired.

The Chief Prince said Byakutaga should vacate the position peacefully and cautioned against actions that could lead to further leadership disputes within the kingdom.

The demand follows a fresh ultimatum issued by the Babiito ruling clan. Earlier this week, Mugenyi said the clan had resolved that Byakutaga should leave office and gave him until October to vacate the position.

The disagreement over Byakutaga’s tenure dates back several years. He was appointed Prime Minister by Omukama Iguru in January 2018. His initial term expired in 2023 and was subsequently extended to June 30, 2024 by the Bunyoro Royal Commission. Mugenyi and members of the Babiito clan have disputed the validity of that extension.

The latest developments therefore bring together two sensitive issues within the kingdom: concerns about the health of the reigning Omukama and an unresolved disagreement over the tenure of the Prime Minister.

Byakutaga has not publicly responded to Mugenyi’s latest demand, while no further details about the Omukama’s reported health condition have been made public.

The situation comes as Bunyoro continues to navigate questions surrounding its administrative leadership and the authority of its various traditional institutions.