Court Orders Specialized Care for Bunyoro King

Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Premier Andrew Byakutaga has firmly countered claims regarding the medical care of the Omukama, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, following a recent court ruling mandating specialized treatment for the king abroad. His assurances came in the wake of a ruling from Hoima High Court Judge Jesse Byaruhanga on October 4, 2024, which instructed that the king should be taken to India for medical care.

Byakutaga emphasized the quality of the king’s medical insurance, referring to it as “the best” and ensuring that the royal family is committed to providing adequate care. “I have a confident team and the royal family who have ensured that the king’s health is appropriately taken care of. I can assure you that the King has the best insurance medical scheme which includes the package of evacuation in case of need,” he stated during the Annual General Meeting of the Kabalega Secondary School Old Boys Association (KASSOBA) held on October 5, 2024.

The court’s decision to order treatment abroad came after a lengthy legal battle initiated in 2014 by Prince Apolo Kisoro, who had previously served as the kingdom’s tourism minister and personal assistant to the king. Prince Kisoro’s application was rooted in concerns over the king’s health, claiming that those responsible for his care were neglecting his deteriorating condition.

The ruling by Judge Byaruhanga mandated that the Omukama receive medical attention at any hospital worldwide that could provide the best facilities. In his application, Prince Kisoro noted that he had arranged appointments with various hospitals in New Delhi, India, and had mobilized sufficient funds to cover all expenses related to the king’s medical treatment, travel, and accompanying personnel.

Counsel Jotham Mugarura and Counsel Elias Tumwebaze represented Kisoro, arguing that the king’s health had significantly declined and he urgently needed specialized care. They contended that Prince Kisoro was acting in the king’s best interest, a factor that justified the legal proceedings.

“The king should be able to secure specialized medical treatment to enable him to perform his official duties,” the counsel argued. The judge echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Omukama has the right to health care, regardless of his current health status.

Tensions have surfaced within the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s administration, particularly between the ruling Babiito clan and Premier Byakutaga. The situation escalated recently when, on September 2, 2024, the Babiito clan dismissed Byakutaga and appointed an interim cabinet, indicating internal strife.

Prince Kisoro expressed satisfaction with the court ruling, which he remarked had been pending for a decade. The prolonged legal struggle reflects the complexities surrounding the king’s health and the governance of the kingdom, which continues to face challenges amid internal divisions.