The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Royal Commission has extended the term of office for Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga by one year. The Royal Commission (Akakurato k’Obunanu), established by King Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Agutamba Iguru in August 2017 to advise the King and streamline kingdom administration, is headed by Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa.
Byakutaga’s term expired in October last year and was extended to June 30, 2024. After the term expired, Babiito clan members, through the Okwir (Chief Prince) Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya, ordered Byakutaga to vacate office immediately. In a letter dated June 19, 2024, the Okwir insisted that Byakutaga should have stepped down knowing his term had ended. However, a letter dated June 27, 2024, from Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa and addressed to the Prime Minister, granted Byakutaga an extension of one more year in office.
The letter stated: “Further to my letter of even reference dated October 31, 2023, I am writing to inform you that at its meeting held on June 24, 2024, at Karuziika Hoima, the Royal Commission agreed to extend your term as Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) for one year, effective July 1, 2024. The Commission discussed your performance during the previous term and noted the explanations regarding the non-submission of reports for specific assignments. It was agreed that those reports should be submitted within three months from July 1, 2024. Please inform me in writing within two weeks if you accept this offer.”
Byakutaga was appointed by Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Agutamba Iguru I as Prime Minister on January 15, 2018. In January 2022, Babiito clan members, led by the Okwir, suspended Byakutaga from office, accusing him of lacking transparency and accountability for kingdom resources, including fraudulent cash withdrawals and expenditures without approval.
They also suspended Owek. Edgar Agaba, the Attorney General of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, and Owek. Robert Owagonza, the Minister for Finance and Planning. The Babiito clan accused Byakutaga of gross mismanagement of kingdom assets and property, including the destruction of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, Muhangaizima cultural site, and various royal burial sites. They also alleged his involvement in the fraudulent sale of kingdom land and insubordination.
Above all, the Babiito clan accused Byakutaga of keeping the King hostage by blocking his close relatives from accessing him. They claimed these actions amounted to gross abuse of office and leadership. Byakutaga refuted the allegations, stating they were baseless and aimed at tarnishing his image. He emphasized that only the Omukama has the authority to appoint or dismiss kingdom officials. The Royal Commission, in a letter dated January 2, 2022, reinstated Byakutaga as Prime Minister, affirming that only the Omukama can appoint or remove kingdom officials.
“The Royal Commission notes that your letter suspended the Prime Minister and two ministers, namely the Attorney General and the Minister of Finance. The Prime Minister and ministers are appointed/removed from office by His Highness, The Omukama of Bunyoro Kingdom, on the advice of the Royal Commission. The Commission has not given such advice and wishes to advise that the powers of the Omukama shall not be usurped by an individual or clan. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission reaffirms that Prime Minister Byakutaga and the cabinet ministers are legally in office and carrying out their roles as assigned by the Omukama,” the Royal Commission’s letter read.
