By URN
Security forces have maintained their presence at the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom premises in Hoima City following an unresolved leadership dispute between the ruling Babiito clan and Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga. The deployment of Anti-riot police and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) began on Saturday, ahead of a clan leaders’ meeting intended to address the ongoing conflict.
The meeting was disrupted when security forces sealed off the Kingdom premises, citing intelligence reports that some individuals had been hired to incite chaos. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, explained that the deployment was a preventive measure.
Among those blocked from attending the meeting were prominent figures like Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of the Babiito clan. Journalists were also barred from entering the Kingdom chambers. Due to the heightened tension, the meeting was postponed to October 19th to allow for better preparations and the approval of the involved clan leaders.
Despite the meeting being called off, security forces have continued guarding the premises, particularly the entrances of the Kingdom palace and chambers. Hakiza assured the public that the security presence was meant to prevent further unrest and would not disrupt services at the Kingdom offices.
The leadership crisis has escalated over recent months, with the Babiito clan dismissing Prime Minister Byakutaga in September and appointing Dr. Baltazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu as the interim Prime Minister. However, Byakutaga, backed by the Royal Commission, argued that only the Omukama holds the authority to appoint or dismiss officials, according to Uganda’s Constitution and the Traditional and Cultural Institution Leaders Act of 2011.
Byakutaga has faced continuous opposition from the Babiito clan, which accuses him of mismanagement, amid the Omukama’s illness, which has prevented him from actively managing the Kingdom’s affairs. Regional clerics have since intervened, holding private discussions with Kingdom officials to help ease tensions and restore peace.
