President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni welcomed His Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, and Queen Jovia Mutesi to a special luncheon at State House Entebbe on Friday.
The royal couple, who had a memorable wedding on November 18, 2023, at Christ’s Cathedral in Bugembe, Jinja City, were congratulated by President Museveni on their union and he expressed his joy at seeing the Kyabazinga embrace marriage and welcomed Queen Mutesi into their ‘bazadde’ (parents) circle.
President Museveni acknowledged Queen Mutesi’s academic achievements and presented the couple with a gift of 100 cows as a traditional gesture of welcome. An additional 20 cows were given to the Inhebantu family as a token of appreciation.
Addressing Queen Mutesi, President Museveni emphasized the importance of utilizing her expertise to advance the National Resistance Movement’s message of wealth creation in Busoga.
Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the Gabula family, President Museveni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with three generations and thanked God for his enduring presence.
He highlighted the significance of cultural institutions in fostering unity among Ugandans and pledged support for initiatives aimed at stabilizing fishing communities.
“The communities or the indigenous people should control the lakes. This is crucial,” he noted.
First Lady Janet Museveni commended the title “Inhebantu,” meaning “mother of the people,” bestowed upon Queen Mutesi by the people of Busoga. She emphasized the importance of traditional family values and offered prayers and support to the newlyweds.
She also praised Queen Mutesi for accepting the role of Patron of the Neyendeire Development Initiative, aimed at empowering women in Busoga.
“I’m very happy that Inhebantu has embraced the call to be a champion and a Patron to empower women in the Busoga region. I know that with her oversight as the Inhebantu, this work will continue to grow and cover all the 11 districts of Busoga and even thrive better than ever before. As you launch out and to the entire Busoga region, please know that our doors are open to you and our prayers are with you in all what you are committed to do,” the First Lady reiterated her commitment and support to the Inhebantu.
Kyabazinga Gabula officially introduced Queen Mutesi to President Museveni and the First Lady, expressing gratitude for their support during their wedding.
In her remarks, Queen Mutesi thanked President Museveni for his support and pledged to work towards uplifting women, youth, and children in Busoga.
“I also thank our Maama, the First Lady, for her special duties towards Uganda in supporting Education, the children and women. As the Inhebantu I pledge to also work towards uplifting the women, youth and children as well as do other duties so that we develop Busoga,” she asserted.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his visionary leadership and pledged to use the cultural institution to transform Busoga and increase participation in the economy.
“We also want to thank you, Your Excellency, for your generosity; financial, moral support, fatherly support towards His Royal Highness of Busoga. I want to assure you that in the shortest time, you will have a Kyabazinga who has a PhD,” said Muvawala.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament from Busoga Sub-region, Busoga Kingdom Ministers, and representatives from the Inhebantu’s family, among other dignitaries.