The Omukama (King) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Dr. Solomon Gafaabusa Iguru I, has been discharged from Ruby Hospital in Kampala, where he was undergoing treatment for his deteriorating health.
The Okwir (Chief Prince) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Eng. Fred Rucunya, informed the press on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, that the Omukama was discharged on Monday, October 21, 2024, after being airlifted to Kampala on Thursday afternoon, October 17, 2024, due to a cough and flu.
He revealed that Rukirabasaija Agutamba Omukama Iguru is currently at a private residence in Kampala, where medics are monitoring his health after his discharge, and he is responding to treatment. “He responded well to treatment, and at the time he was airlifted, his condition was serious.
I thank the doctors who worked on him and the president for the helicopter that airlifted him. He was discharged yesterday,” the Okwir said.
Eng. Rucunya stated that now that the Omukama has been discharged, the royal family will convene to discuss affairs in the kingdom, urging the Omukama’s subjects to remain calm. “The king’s subjects should not worry because the situation is being handled.
The next step is to look at the bigger problem. We shall sit as a family and, with the advice of the doctors, see how to handle this issue,” he said.
On October 3, 2024, a High Court judge in Hoima, Justice Jesse Rugyema Byaruhanga, ordered that the Omukama be taken for specialized medical treatment in India or any other health facility with the best resources.
This followed an application filed by Prince Apollo Kisoro in 2014, seeking a court order for Omukama Iguru to receive medical attention due to his deteriorating health condition, which has prevented him from performing the Empango coronation anniversary rituals for many years.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in the kingdom after the Babiito ruling clan, led by Okwir Rucunya, dismissed Mr. Byakutaaga and appointed an interim cabinet headed by Dr. Kasirivu Atwoki as Prime Minister. However, Mr. Byakutaaga has refused to step down, questioning the Okwir’s authority.
