The Kyabazinga of Busoga Isabirye William Gabula Nadiope IV on September 13th, 2025 celebrated his 11th Coronation Anniversary at a colourful event held in Jinja City.
When William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV ascended as Kyabazinga of Busoga in 2014, few could have predicted the scale of his impact eleven years later. On September 13, 2025, his 11th coronation anniversary at Igenge Palace became more than a celebration—it was a call to action for health, unity, and cultural renewal in Busoga.
The ceremony that was held at Busoga Kingdom headquarter ground in Butembe Chiefdom, Jinja City was attended by thousands of people, under the theme ‘A Malaria Free Busoga for Generations to Come’.
Thousands of Abasoga flocked to Bugembe in Jinja under the theme “A Malaria-Free Busoga for Generations to Come.” The event came just weeks after the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu welcomed twin princes, a moment that many saw as a blessing for the kingdom.
The ceremony drew national leaders, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda. Ahead of the festivities, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba sent a congratulatory message to the Kyabazinga, delivered by Hon. Moses Magogo (MP, Budiope East) and Hon. David Kabanda (Kasambya County MP and Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda).
The Kyabazinga was welcomed by Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala who was accompanied by his first deputy Prof. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira and second deputy Alhaji Osman Noor Ahmed.
The Monarch was ushered to the venue by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Culture, Owek. Richard Mafumo where he sounded his Royal drums that included Mwenemu alimu and Naizungwe. He majestically walked around the tents as he gigantically waved to a crowd of his subjects.
In his address, the Kyabazinga called for continued unity among his subjects in order to enhance development.
He further called upon stakeholders to join in the fight against Malaria and the causes of teenage pregnancies in Busoga sub region.
He also rallied his people to tap into government programmes designed to boost household incomes and called upon fathers, brothers and leaders to shield girls and join the fight to end teenage pregnancies in Busoga sub region under his ‘Abasadha N’emoango’ programme implemented by Kyabazinga Initiatives directly under his office.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja, read President Yoweri Museveni’s speech and congratulated the Kyabazinga for welcoming the two Royal Princes in his Royal Family.
“We all have a part to play in making the NRM vision come to pass and we should master our might without compromise to work hard in the government eradication programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other Wealth Creation initiatives,” Museveni said.
She later handed over sh20m to add on the sh60m he sent earlier as his contribution towards organising the Kyabazinga 11th Coronation Anniversary. He handed over the cash to Prime Minister Muvawala.
Later, Prime Minister Nabanja and the Minister for Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda joined Kyabazinga and cut a cake which he served to his subjects.
Present at the event were: KCCA’s Executive Director Buzeki Sharifah and her deputy Benon Kigenyi, former KCCA ED Dorothy Kisaka, Busoga Royal Concepts’ chairman Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, Buganda Kingdom delegation led by Owek. Noah Kiyimba, members of the Royal Family, In-laws to the Kyabazinga led by Stanley Bayole the father of Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi, Royal Chiefs from the 11 chiefdoms that make up Busoga, Busoga Kingdom Ministers, MPs from Busoga, Busoga Youth Council and Religious Leaders among others.
“I take this opportunity to wish His Majesty @KingNadiopeIV and the entire Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga a joyous 11th Coronation Anniversary,” Tayebwa said. “His Majesty has been a champion of good agriculture, quality education, and improved health, all of which continue to transform the Busoga region.
I particularly thank him for dedicating this year’s coronation to the fight against malaria. Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, especially for children under five, and we must redouble our efforts to combat it, particularly as scientists warn that climate change will make it even worse. Congratulations, Your Majesty. Congratulations to Busoga Kingdom.”
Born on November 1, 1988, Gabula’s story is one of triumph over adversity. He lost both parents early, endured financial hardship, and faced ridicule from peers. Yet, through education at Busoga College Mwiri, Kyambogo University, and Coventry University in the UK, he developed the resilience and leadership that would later define his reign.
Ascending the throne at only 25, Gabula inherited a kingdom divided by deep clan rifts. His message of “One Busoga” has since guided efforts to reconcile factions and promote unity. Under his stewardship, Busoga has seen growth in education, women’s cooperatives, access to clean water, and youth-led cultural and sporting initiatives, such as the Kyabazinga 7s rugby tournament.
Still, challenges remain. Poverty, teenage pregnancies, weak infrastructure, and land disputes continue to hold back progress. The Kyabazinga has used his platform to advocate for solutions, especially in health. This year’s malaria-focused theme underscores his commitment to mobilizing Busoga in the fight against one of Uganda’s most persistent killers.
For many Basoga, the 11th coronation anniversary was more than pomp and tradition. It was a reaffirmation that a kingdom once fractured is charting a future of unity, purpose, and service — with the Kyabazinga at its heart.
