📷 Kyabazinga marks 36th birthday in style

The Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City, buzzed with excitement and celebration on Saturday as the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, marked his 36th birthday in regal style.

The Kyabazinga attended the colourful event with his wife, Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi, marking her first appearance at such a kingdom gathering.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (L) and his wife Inhebantu of Busoga Jovia Mutesi (R) arriving at his 36th birthday event at Igenge Palace in Jinja City on Saturday.

The event was attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister and also Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Minister for General Duties in the Prime Minister’s Office, Justine Kasule Lumumba; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge; Busoga Kingdom’s prime minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, and his 1st and 2nd deputies, Prof. Dr Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira and Al-Haj Osman Ahmed Noor; FUFA president Moses Magogo; FDC’s Salaamu Musumba; Prof. Wasswa Balunywa; MPs; royal chiefs; princes and princesses from Bulamogi Chiefdom; and Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga (OBB) ministers, among others.

From L-R: Busoga Kingdom's Finance Minister Ivan Kiirya, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, Busoga Kingdom's First Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega and Busoga Kingdom's 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Al-Haj Osman Ahmed Noor dancing while at the birthday event of the Kyabazinga at his Igenge palace on Saturday.

Guests, elegantly dressed in suits with bow ties for men and party dresses or gomesis for ladies, began arriving at Igenge Palace at 2:00 pm, where ushers warmly guided them to their seats in the main tent.

The Kyabazinga, dressed in a black suit with a white shirt, and the Inhebantu, stunning in a black party dress, arrived at the mega tent around 7:30 pm, greeted by ululations and chants from their jubilant subjects.

During the event, Magogo delivered a presentation on the development of football in Busoga, outlining its vision, the kingdom's progress, a brief history of FUFA, and highlighting Uganda Cranes players and legends who began their football journeys in Busoga.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (L) serving cake to Stanely Bayoole (R) and his wife Rebecca Nakisita Bayoole (M) the parents of Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi while at his 36th birthday event at Igenge Palace in Jinja City on Saturday.

Magogo presented Busoga United's new logo and jersey to the Kyabazinga, which he signed.

Magogo called for funding for the team up to a tune of sh500m per year and requested stakeholders and well-wishers to support the community team.

Al-Haj Osman Ahmed Noor, in his speech, recognised all partners of Busoga kingdom and their contributions towards development programs initiated by the kingdom.

In his speech, the Kyabazinga expressed gratitude to all development partners in Busoga for fostering development in the sub-region through their various programs.

He also appreciated his parents and the parents of Inhebantu for the parental guidance and advice they have always given them.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (L) feeding his wife and Inhebantu of Busoga Jovia Mutesi with a cake while at his 36th birthday dinner event at Igenge Palace in Jinja on Saturday.

Later, the Kyabazinga, while flanked by Inhebantu, cut a cake which they served to their guests at the event and proceeded inside their palace after singing the closing anthems.

Local artists, including Rachael Monique and Tina Baiby, entertained guests with their Kisoga songs that praised the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu for their unwavering commitment towards developing Busoga.

At the climax, some guests hit the dance floor and unleashed their strokes.