Army, Police Maintain Presence at Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Premises Amid Leadership Dispute

Security forces remain stationed at the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom premises in Hoima City due to an ongoing leadership dispute between the Babiito clan and Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga. The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and anti-riot police were deployed on Saturday in anticipation of a clan leaders’ meeting aimed at resolving the conflict.

However, the meeting was halted after security personnel sealed off the Kingdom’s premises, following intelligence reports that certain individuals had been hired to instigate chaos. Julius Hakiza, spokesperson for the Albertine region police, stated that the deployment was a precautionary measure to prevent unrest.

Key figures, including Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of the Babiito clan, were barred from attending the meeting, along with journalists. Due to the escalating tension, the meeting was rescheduled for October 19th to allow for better planning and approval from the clan leaders involved.

Despite the postponement, security forces continue to guard key areas of the Kingdom, including the entrances to the palace and chambers. Hakiza assured the public that the presence of security forces is solely to maintain order and will not interfere with Kingdom operations.

The leadership conflict has intensified over the past months, with the Babiito clan dismissing Byakutaga in September and appointing Dr. Baltazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu as interim Prime Minister. Byakutaga, supported by the Royal Commission, maintains that only the Omukama has the constitutional authority to make such appointments or dismissals, in line with Uganda’s Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Institution Leaders Act of 2011.

Byakutaga has faced continued opposition from the Babiito clan, which has accused him of poor management during the Omukama’s illness, which has limited the monarch’s involvement in the Kingdom’s affairs. In response, regional religious leaders have stepped in, engaging in private talks with Kingdom officials in an effort to defuse the tensions and restore peace.