Jovia Mutesi was crowned the 5th queen of Busoga on Saturday, marrying Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV in a ceremony that drew national attention and millions of viewers.
The couple exchanged vows at Christ’s Church Cathedral in Jinja — the first royal wedding ever hosted at the Busoga Diocese. The date also coincided with the 49th birthday of Stanley Bayoole, the king’s father-in-law.
Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu presided over the service. He spoke directly about the importance of marriage within tradition, telling worshippers that the union of the Kyabazinga and his bride should remain “anchored in values that stand the test of time.”
Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo, joined dignitaries and foreign envoys among more than 2,000 guests. A choir of 100 members filled the cathedral with hymns that merged Anglican liturgy and cultural music from the kingdom.
Security was a constant presence. Police, soldiers, and Special Forces ringed the cathedral and palace grounds. Authorities later said that planned town processions were canceled due to what they called “security threats.”
Even so, the celebration reached far beyond Jinja. Broadcasters carried the event live across Uganda, with organizers estimating more than 10 million viewers.
After the service, the Kyabazinga and his queen traveled by six-wheeled cart to Igenge Palace for the traditional reception, where cultural rituals marked the formal installment of Mutesi as Busoga’s Inhebantu.
The Kyabazinga, born November 1, 1988, is the son of Wilson Gabula Nadiope II, Uganda’s first vice president. His bride is the daughter of Stanley Bayoole, a Resident District Commissioner. She becomes Busoga’s fifth queen since 1939 — and the first since the last royal wedding, held in February 1956.
