Kyabazinga Gabula IV Honours Prof. Kateregga As Busoga Celebrates 12 Years of His Reign
MAYUGE, UGANDA — A colourful celebration of culture, unity and development unfolded at the Mayuge District Headquarters grounds in Bunha Chiefdom on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as thousands of Basoga, cultural leaders and dignitaries from across Uganda gathered to commemorate the 12th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Isebantu Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV.
The anniversary marked 12 years since His Majesty ascended the throne and provided an opportunity to reflect on his reign, which Kingdom officials described as a period of strengthened unity, cultural preservation and renewed focus on the socio-economic development of Busoga.
At the heart of the celebrations was a strong call for the people of Busoga to embrace unity, education and development while preserving the Kingdom's rich cultural identity.
In his anniversary message, the Kyabazinga highlighted unity and development, embracing modernity, and prioritising education as key pillars for the continued transformation of Busoga. He underscored the importance of empowering the younger generation through education and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom and the country.
Kyabazinga Recognises Prof. Kateregga and Kampala University
One of the most significant moments of the celebrations was the special recognition of Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University, for his contribution to the education sector and his support towards the development of the Busoga Kingdom.
The Kyabazinga publicly thanked Prof. Kateregga and Kampala University for their immense contribution to education, highlighting the important role the University has continued to play in supporting educational advancement and human capital development.
The recognition was followed by an even more personal gesture from His Majesty. After the main ceremony, the Kyabazinga invited four people to accompany him to his palace, with Prof. Kateregga among those specially honoured.
Prof. Kateregga was accompanied by members of his family — Ms. Rashida Kateregga, Mr. Faquih Muhammad Kateregga, Ms. Naila Florence and Mr. Faisal Mubiru — where they shared lunch with His Majesty.
The special invitation was a memorable highlight of the anniversary celebrations and reflected the cordial relationship between the Kyabazinga's institution and Prof. Kateregga, as well as the shared commitment to advancing education and development within Busoga.
Government Reaffirms Support for Busoga
The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was the Chief Guest, was represented at the celebrations by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Kyabazinga upon reaching 12 years on the throne and commended him for his efforts in uniting the people of Busoga, promoting the Kingdom's development and preserving its cultural heritage.
She encouraged the people of Busoga to remain united and committed to hard work, urging them to channel their collective efforts towards accelerating development across the Kingdom.
The 12th Coronation Anniversary thus became more than a celebration of 12 years of royal leadership. It was a powerful reaffirmation of Busoga's unity, cultural identity and development aspirations, with education emerging as a critical foundation for the Kingdom's future.
For Kampala University, the recognition of Prof. Kateregga further underscores the institution's growing contribution to education, community development and partnerships that create opportunities for young people across Uganda.
By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer
Kampala University