The prolonged leadership crisis in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom is set to be discussed on November 7, as key traditional leaders, members of the royal family, and clan representatives meet to explore ways of resolving disputes over the institution's governance and administration. The meeting, scheduled to take place at Karuziika Palace in Hoima, follows months of disagreements over the tenure of Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga and the authority to manage the kingdom's affairs amid the indisposition of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Agutamba Rukirabasaija Iguru I.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, responsible for matters relating to culture and traditional institutions, convened the meeting to bring together rival factions and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and consider a way forward. In a letter dated October 21, 2026, Mary Kuteesa Kamuli, the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Gender and Culture, said the ministry recognised the historical and cultural significance of the kingdom and its role in preserving the identity and unity of the Banyoro people.
The meeting is expected to bring together the executive of the ruling Babito clan, members of the Royal Commission, members of the royal family, the Bunyoro Clan Heads Forum, the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister), the Nyina Omukama, the Batebe, the head of regalia, and the chairperson of the Masaza chiefs. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of the Babito clan, confirmed receiving the letter, saying the meeting could provide an opportunity to find a lasting solution to the leadership dispute.
The ministry's intervention comes weeks after the Babito clan issued a fresh ultimatum to Byakutaga, demanding that he vacate office by mid-October 2026. In September, Rucunya accused Byakutaga of illegally occupying the office, arguing that his tenure had expired in 2024. Byakutaga's original term ended in October 2023 but was extended until June 30, 2024. In a letter dated June 27, 2024, the Royal Commission granted him a further one-year extension.
Rucunya rejected the extension, arguing that the commission lacked the authority to prolong Byakutaga's tenure. He maintained that the Omukama had vested him with the authority to manage the kingdom's affairs when the monarch was unable to do so. Rucunya also accused the Royal Commission, chaired by Dr Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, of frustrating his efforts to address governance concerns.
The dispute dates back to January 2022, when the Babito clan, led by the Okwiri, suspended Byakutaga over allegations of financial impropriety, lack of accountability, mismanagement of kingdom assets, destruction of cultural sites, and the sale of kingdom land. The clan also accused him of isolating the Omukama from his relatives, an allegation he denied. Byakutaga maintained that only the Omukama had the authority to appoint or dismiss kingdom officials.
The November 7 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the kingdom's rival factions to discuss their differences and identify a way to restore stability in the institution's leadership and administration. Key points to be discussed include the legitimacy of Byakutaga's tenure, the role of the Royal Commission, and the management of the kingdom's affairs.
Key points
- The mediation talks aim to resolve the leadership crisis in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
- The meeting will discuss the legitimacy of Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga's tenure.
- The crisis has led to the kingdom being without a parliament and cabinet ministers since 2023.
