The Babiito ruling clan of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has launched an appeal for financial support to facilitate specialized medical treatment abroad for Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Agutamba Iguru I. According to Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwir or Chief Prince of the Babiito, clan members and elders agreed during a meeting held last Sunday that the Omukama should be taken abroad for specialized medical attention.
Rucunya has appealed to Babiito members, government institutions, Kingdom subjects, and well-wishers to contribute towards the King’s treatment. However, he did not disclose how much money would be required for the proposed treatment abroad. Rucunya stated that efforts to mobilize support for the Omukama’s treatment were being affected by a lack of recognized leadership in the Kingdom.
The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has lacked clear and recognized leadership for about three years, a situation that has weakened the institution and contributed to divisions among Kingdom subjects. Rucunya claimed that this has hindered the mobilization of support for the Omukama’s treatment. He called for cooperation among clan leaders, government, elders, and other stakeholders to resolve the leadership disagreements and restore stability in the Kingdom.
Andrew Byakutaga, the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister, has confirmed that Omukama Iguru is unwell and receiving treatment. However, Byakutaga did not disclose where the King is being treated or the nature of his illness. His confirmation comes amid growing concern about the Omukama’s health and renewed questions about his ability to carry out his royal duties.
The latest concerns over the Omukama’s health are not the first time his health has attracted public attention. In October 2024, the King was airlifted to Kampala in a military aircraft and admitted to Ruby Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated. Kingdom officials confirmed at the time that he was receiving treatment but did not disclose details of his condition.
A court case filed by Prince Apollo Kisoro, a former Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Minister for Tourism and Assistant to the King, led to the Omukama receiving specialized medical treatment. On October 3, 2024, Hoima High Court Judge Jesse Byaruhanga ordered that the Omukama be taken to India or another hospital with the necessary facilities for specialized treatment.
The renewed concerns over the Omukama’s health come against the backdrop of a long-running leadership dispute within the Kingdom. Rucunya and sections of the Babiito have recently demanded that Byakutaga vacate the office of Prime Minister, arguing that his tenure has expired. The Babiito have given Byakutaga until mid-October 2026 to leave office, adding another dimension to the Kingdom’s ongoing leadership tensions.
Key points
- The Babiito ruling clan appeals for funds to facilitate Omukama Iguru's treatment abroad.
- The lack of recognized leadership in the Kingdom has hindered mobilization of support for the Omukama's treatment.
- A long-running leadership dispute within the Kingdom has added to the concerns over the Omukama's health.
