A significant security presence has been deployed at the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom headquarters in Hoima, Uganda. Anti-riot police and Uganda People's Defence Forces personnel have surrounded the Kingdom chambers and palace entrance. By 9 a.m. on Monday, access to the Kingdom chambers, locally known as the Rukurato, was blocked, while security personnel patrolled parts of Hoima City.
The security deployment was confirmed by Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza, who stated that it was a response to intelligence indicating that some youth were being organised to demonstrate at the Kingdom headquarters. Hakiza did not specify the exact number of security personnel deployed but mentioned that their presence was intended to prevent possible unrest and protect the Omukama, Kingdom employees, property, and maintain peace in the area.
Hakiza warned members of the public against participating in unauthorised demonstrations, stating that security forces would take necessary action to maintain order. He advised those intending to demonstrate to follow the required procedures and notify the Uganda Police Force. The security presence is expected to remain at the Kingdom headquarters and palace to prevent disruption and ensure that people and businesses in Hoima City operate normally.
The heightened security presence comes amid a long-running dispute between the Babiito, the ruling clan of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, and Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga over his continued occupation of the office. The Babiito, through the Chief Prince, Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, gave Byakutaga a fresh ultimatum to vacate office by mid-October 2026. Rucunya argued that Byakutaga's tenure had expired and that he was occupying the office illegally.
Byakutaga was originally appointed Prime Minister by Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Agutamba Iguru I on January 15, 2018. His original term expired in October 2023 and was later extended to June 30, 2024. However, in a letter dated June 27, 2024, the Royal Commission granted him a further one-year extension. Rucunya has rejected the extension, arguing that the Royal Commission had no authority to extend the Prime Minister's tenure.
The dispute has previously resulted in rival administrative structures within the Kingdom. In 2024, Rucunya moved to remove Byakutaga and appointed an interim administration headed by Dr Baltazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu Atwooki as Prime Minister. Other interim officials, including a speaker of the Orukurato and ministers, were also appointed. The leadership dispute dates back several years, with the Babiito clan suspending Byakutaga in January 2022 over allegations of a lack of transparency and accountability.
The Royal Commission, chaired by Dr Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, was established by the Omukama in August 2017 to advise him and oversee the administration of the Kingdom. The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has since been without a substantive parliament and cabinet amid the continuing disagreements over its administration and authority to make key appointments. Efforts to reach Byakutaga for comment were unsuccessful as his phone was unavailable.
Key points
- The security deployment aims to prevent possible unrest and protect the Kingdom and its officials.
- The dispute between the Babiito clan and Byakutaga centres on the legitimacy of his continued occupation of the Prime Minister's office.
- The Kingdom has been without a substantive parliament and cabinet due to the ongoing leadership dispute.
