President Yoweri K Museveni, alongside his esteemed wife “Maama” Janet, recently played host to some royal visitors at State House Entebbe in a moo-ving display of hospitality. Who were the distinguished guests, you ask? None other than His Highness, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, and his newly minted bride, Her Royal Highness, the Nyin’abantu of Busoga. Yes, you read that right – a royal luncheon at State House!
President Museveni, ever the congenial host, couldn’t contain his delight as he congratulated HH Gabula on finally taking the plunge into matrimonial bliss. In his characteristic humor, Museveni reminisced about the times they’d crossed paths, with him playfully teasing Gabula about his solo appearances. “I used to wonder why you always came alone,” quipped Museveni, “but now, I’m thrilled to see you’ve found yourself a partner in crime!”
But what’s a royal celebration without a sprinkle of bovine benevolence?
In a move straight out of a fairytale, Museveni bestowed upon the newlyweds a grand gift fit for royalty – not one, not two, but a mind blowing 100 cows as a token of welcome, or as we say in the local lingo, okurabukira. And if that wasn’t enough, he threw in an extra 20 cows as a gesture of gratitude, known as okusiima, to the family of Nyin’abantu. It was not mentioned if these were all bulls or heifers. Neither were the logistics of moving such a staggering herd of bovines in one swoop from Western Uganda to Eastern Uganda disclosed.
The scene at State House was nothing short of a spectacle, with the clinking of glasses and the hearty laughter of esteemed guests echoing through the halls. As Museveni raised a toast to the happy couple, he couldn’t help but shower praises upon the entire Busoga region. “Congratulations to the whole of Busoga!” exclaimed Museveni, his voice brimming with what seemed to be genuine warmth, “May your fortunes multiply like rabbits in a cabbage patch!”
Amidst the laughter, the feasting, and the bovine blessings, a new chapter in the annals of Busoga royalty unfolded. With Museveni’s cattle diplomacy paving the way, it’s safe to say that the bonds between State House and the Kingdom of Busoga have never been stronger. As they say in these parts, when life gives you cows, make cheese – or in this case, make royal connections!
Naturally 2026 is at hand, and the stakes are high. Is there a game afoot here?
