Tensions are rising in Busoga Kingdom as the anticipated royal wedding of Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV with Ms Jovia Mutesi approaches, amidst claims of fake court documents circulating on social media. The kingdom has formally called on the police to arrest individuals believed to be behind these alleged falsifications, aiming to disrupt the upcoming nuptials.
The royal wedding is scheduled to take place on November 18 at Christ’s Church, Bugembe in Jinja North City Division, followed by a grand reception at the monarchy’s Palace in Igenge. Trouble surfaced when two letters, purportedly court injunctions, emerged on social media, alleging to be on behalf of a UK-based citizen, Ms Alison Anne Nadiope. The letters, purportedly written by UK and Uganda law firms, sought to block the wedding of Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV.
In a press conference held at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Bugembe Town Council in Jinja, Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muvawala expressed shock and disbelief at the content of the circulating letters. He clarified that the Busoga Kingdom had reported these documents, deemed defamatory and false, to the police and other security agencies. Investigations have since led to the arrest of some individuals linked to the dissemination of these documents.
Muvawala, addressing the media, described the content of the letters as both defamatory and false information, emphasizing the need to set the record straight. He announced that the Kingdom’s legal team would pursue both civil and criminal proceedings against those involved in spreading the documents.
The letter in question, dated November 8, 2023, and signed by Mugerwa and Partners Advocates and Solicitors on behalf of Ms Alison Anna, claimed that she was legally married to Kyabazinga William Gabula. It alleged that the couple had celebrated a civil marriage in December 2016 in the UK, resulting in the birth of two children.
Prime Minister Muvawala vehemently denied these claims, asserting that Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV has never been married under any known forms of marriage and has never fathered any children. Muvawala instructed the Kingdom’s lawyers to pursue legal actions against all individuals involved in disseminating the allegedly false documents.
Furthermore, Muvawala highlighted that none of the bishops intended to preside over the royal wedding had received the marriage certificate that Ms Alison claims exists. The Busoga Kingdom contacted the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, who confirmed the receipt of the letter but noted the absence of the marriage certificate.
Amidst the controversy, the Busoga Kingdom assured the public that the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu were in good spirits and eagerly preparing for the historic occasion on November 18. The central organizing committee for the royal wedding is expected to release the detailed program and other relevant information in the coming days.
