The Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Iguru I, was evacuated to Kampala today after his health worsened.
The King was flown from Hoima City aboard a military chopper to Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala. This development comes after the High Court in Hoima ordered the King’s transfer to India for specialized medical care on October 3, 2024.
Andrew Byakutaga, the Kingdom Prime minister in a press statement also confirmed that the Omukama has been airlifted to Kampala for medical attention.
- “Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom hereby inform the general public that His Royal Majesty Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara has been airlifted to Kampala for medication. The King regularly gets medical attention whenever needs arise. The process has been coordinated by his office and family. He has been accompanied by the Omugo Margaret Karunga Adyeeri and prince Richard Kitehimbwa who is also the minister of palace affairs and Principal private secretary to His Majesty, “Reads the press statement.
According to Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, the King’s condition necessitated the emergency evacuation. Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga confirmed the King’s evacuation in a press statement, stating that the King regularly receives medical attention whenever needed.
The King’s health issues have been a subject of concern, with Prince Apolo Kisoro, the former Minister for Tourism, filing an application in 2014 to have the King transferred to a hospital in India for medical treatment. The High Court ruled in favor of the application, citing the King’s right to health regardless of his current state.
The Kingdom has been experiencing tensions following disputes between Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga and the royal clan, the Babiito. Byakutaga was fired by the clan on September 2, 2024, and a temporary cabinet was installed in his place.