After weeks of anticipation and meticulous preparations, the much-awaited Busoga Royal wedding has finally arrived.
Today, King Wilberforce Nadiope Kadhumbula Gabula IV, also known as Kyabazinga, is poised to exchange vows with Queen Jovia Mutesi at Christ Cathedral in Jinja City. Following the ceremony, the King will generously host around 2000 guests at his Palace in Bugembe.
As of Friday evening, the main celebration venue at the palace underwent final preparations, featuring a grand marquee meticulously erected and adorned. Across the 11 counties in Busoga Kingdom, designated venues have been set up for kingdom subjects to witness the live broadcast of the wedding service and reception. These locations will also provide ample food and beverages for all attendees.
In Jinja City and various townships across Busoga, drums reverberated through the air on Friday as jubilant subjects danced, reveled, and paraded through the streets in anticipation of the grand occasion.
Joseph Muvawala, the Katukiro and Prime Minister of Busoga, stressed the importance of peaceful and responsible celebrations during a press conference on the eve of the wedding. He urged, "Our joy and celebrations should not adversely impact others."
At the same press conference, attended by security commanders from the region, Muvawala revealed that the wedding at the cathedral is scheduled to commence precisely at 11:00 am and conclude at 1:00 pm. He also called upon the public to refrain from crowding the roads to ensure the King’s timely arrival at the venue.
Jamal Basalirwa, the head of the Police Protocol Unit, announced that there will be no traffic diversions on the highway. Emphasizing their decision not to inconvenience other travelers and those transporting goods to the east, he warned that individuals without invitations will not be allowed at the primary wedding venue in Bugembe. Basalirwa asserted, "In all the counties in the Kingdom, the event will be broadcast live, eliminating the need for anyone to travel to Bugembe." Additionally, he highlighted advanced security measures, revealing that invitation cards are equipped with chips that will be scanned at the entrance to unveil the guest's identity and assigned seats.
