By Godfrey Muhumuza
Security forces, including anti-riot police and Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers, have arrested Brian Aliguma in Hoima City for participating in protests against Andrew Byakutaga, the Prime Minister of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. The protest, which was aimed at compelling Byakutaga to vacate office, was intercepted by anti-riot police and Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers before the demonstrators could access the Kingdom palace.
Aliguma was detained near the Kingdom chambers and is currently held at Hoima City Central Police Station. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and stated that charges of inciting violence have been filed against Aliguma. The police are also searching for other protesters who fled the scene.
Earlier on Wednesday, there was heavy security deployment in Hoima City, particularly around the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom chambers and palace. Security personnel patrolled the city center to prevent potential unrest, as a faction of the Kingdom’s subjects mobilized to demonstrate against Byakutaga’s continued leadership.
Hakiza warned the public against participating in the protest, emphasizing that security forces are prepared to take necessary actions to maintain order. Tensions within the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom have been rising due to a conflict between the ruling Babiito clan and Byakutaga.
On September 2, 2024, the Babiito clan dismissed Byakutaga and appointed an interim cabinet led by Interim Prime Minister Dr. Baltazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu. The interim cabinet was sworn in at the residence of the Chief Prince (Okwiri) in Hoima City. Byakutaga, however, condemned the swearing-in of the interim cabinet as illegal.
He argues that it violates Uganda’s Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Institution Leaders Act of 2011, asserting that only the Omukama (cultural leader) has the authority to appoint or dismiss officials. Byakutaga accused the Okwiri of forgery, claiming that a document stating the Omukama had transferred his powers was falsified.
The dispute arose after the Babiito clan issued a one-week ultimatum for Byakutaga to vacate office, citing dissatisfaction with the Royal Commission’s decision to extend his term by one year. The clan, including the Okwiri, criticized the extension as unlawful and asserted that the authority to manage Kingdom affairs during the Omukama’s absence lies with the Okwiri.
The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has been without a functioning parliament and cabinet ministers for a year due to Omukama’s illness. Byakutaga, who was appointed Prime Minister on January 15, 2018, was previously suspended in January 2022 over allegations of mismanagement but was reinstated by the Royal Commission. The ongoing conflict reflects broader challenges in traditional leadership and governance within the Kingdom.
