As it happened: Kyabazinga and Inhebantu's colourful wedding

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 BUSOGA ROYAL WEDDING TEXT COMMENTARY 

Live reporting and editing by Joseph Kizza
(Pictures by Eddie Ssejjoba, Mpalanyi Ssentongo, Jackie Nambogga)
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 5:17 PM 

Meanwhile, the royal couple have since arrived at the palace. They will have a breather after a long day thus far. They will then change into dinner outfits and come out for the reception. It is a steady flow of guests to the reception as dusk gently creeps in.

And from me here, it's the end of this commentary. Thanks for tagging along - be sure to stay on this website for related content from the reception. Cheers! 🥂
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 4:16 PM 

And off they go!

The Kyabazinga and the Queen are on the carriage, seated side by side, heading to the palace for the reception. Time to flex their biceps and triceps as they begin waving to their jubilant subjects.

Already, the 2,000 invited guests are arriving at the reception venue to settle in.
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 4:13 PM 

Royal procession on...

Oh, by the way, looks like the royal procession is on! Remember the fancy-looking carriage I showed you earlier in the morning?

Yep, that's the one that is 'taxing' on the cathedral tarmac, ready to shuttle the Isebantu and Inhebantu to Igenge Palace, a magnificent facility that is nestled on Bugembe hill.

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 4:06 PM 

Reception next

With the ceremony at Christ's Cathedral done in Bugembe, the attention will quickly swift to Igenge Palace, where the newly wedded royal couple will host their guests — again, invited guests — to a reception.

The meticulously ornated, chandelier-lit venue is dazzling and set for an evening of splendour and fine dining.

For this one, the gents will peel off their tunics and slip into tuxedos and bow-ties. The ladies will ditch the gomesis and change into elegant evening dresses.
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 3:51 PM 

At the conclusion of her delivery, the Vice-President then hands over the gift of 20 cows that is in the form of a huge brown envelope to the couple.

And that is it for the speeches session.

Time for group photos now.

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 3:49 PM 

Museveni 'welcomes Inhebantu with 20 cows'

President Museveni, in his message delivered by Vice-President Alupo, says he will host the Kyabazinga and the Inhebantu with their delegation.

"Finally, as an African parent, he has said he has also participated in raising you, Your Highness, and he still wants to continue being a parent to you and, therefore, he has offered you 20 cows [in form of cash], which is a custom, according to him, to welcome the incoming bride," says Alupo.

In her capacity as a Mutesi from Bugweri, Alupo said she, too, came along with "two physical cows because, Your Highness, the children must drink milk".

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 3:43 PM 

'Unity and interconnectedness'

In his message, President Museveni congratulates the couple "on your very special day of Holy Matrimony".

He thanks Kyabazinga Nadiope for "getting a lifetime partner because it is very important to have a lifetime because the family is a nucleus of society".

Museveni goes on to thank the youthful monarch for "demonstrating maturity, responsibility and hard work". He also thanks him  for completing his education.

The President also "thanks all the people of Busoga, specifically the close family members who brought you up, especially when your father [Wilson Gabula Nadiope II] died [in 1991]".

Additionally, Museveni thanks the Kyabazinga for recently visiting the Royal Highness of Bunyoro Kingdom (Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I).

In doing so, "you clearly showed that there is interconnectedness between these kingdoms".

Museveni's message to all cultural leaders and to Africa at large is that "it is very important to demonstrate and clearly expose that connectedness" as opposed to dwelling on differences.
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 3:38 PM 

In a more serious capacity, Alupo says President Yoweri Museveni sent her "with his and First Lady Janet's message to you, Your Grace and Your Highness, and all the members of the congregation".

This time around, we are told, the President phoned his deputy so that she jots down his message directly via the call.

Admitting that it was a difficult task, she nevertheless assured Museveni that she would "execute the assignment without casualties".
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 3:35 PM 

Alupo is 'Mutesi of Bugweri from Teso'

Next up, Vice-President Jessica Alupo.

She starts off by thanking Archbishop Kaziimba for "expeditiously and in a very colourful way conducting a very important ceremony this morning of Holy Matrimony between the King of Busoga and the Queen of Busoga".

Alupo says one of the two capacities she has come in "is already known by the people of Busoga".

"I am called Mutesi from Bugweri [one of the 11 hereditary chiefdoms of Busoga], I have always said it. I was given this name a long time ago when we were campaigning for the late KK [Kirunda Kivejinja] in Bugweri in that constituency of Hon. Abdu Katuntu. That was a long time ago, I was still a Member of Parliament [Katakwi district Woman MP] and the elders there gave me that name Mutesi."

She quips that she "a Mutesi of Bugweri who comes from Teso".

But she is keen to say there is now a Mutesi [Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi] in the Busoga royal palace and wonders whether she is allowed to keep her Mutesi name. Kadaga, doing the Lusoga translation, feels it's okay for the VP to retain the name.
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 3:24 PM 

'This marriage will surpass all expectations'

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who was accompanied to today's ceremony by his wife of 15 years, is invited to make a brief address, before he can invite the Vice-President.

Congratulating the royal couple, he says: "I am glad and am really happy to say that you remembered that you got authority from God and you have come back to God, the Most High, to bless your wedding.

"And I am sure that the moment you anchor whatever you do on God, nothing will fail. This marriage we have all witnessed, I am extremely sure, very sure, that it will surpass all expectations because we shall continue praying for you and wishing you all the blessings."

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 3:21 PM 

Now that the anthems are done, the programme turns to speeches. Minister Rebecca Kadaga takes over, delivering in Lusoga.

She says the function is a national one, the reason it has been graced by many representatives of cultural and political institutions, both local and foreign. There are guests from Eswatini in southern Africa, whom Kadaga asks to rise for recognition.

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 3:16 PM 

Archbishop Kaziimba: "The peace of the Lord be always with you."

"And also with you."

The newly married couple then greets each other.

Shortly after, Kaziimba hands the certificate of marriage to the royal couple, who happily display it together to the congregation and the watching world.

The couple also receive a Lusoga bible from the Bible Society.

Anthems follow: national East African and Busoga in that order.

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 3:09 PM 

Blessing the marriage

Everyone rises as the royal couple remain kneeling.

Then the bishop prays:

"O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have consecrated the covenant of marriage, that in it is represented a spiritual unity between Christ and His Church. Send, therefore, your blessing upon these Your servants, William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi, that they may so love, respect, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

"Amen," all say.

Archbishop Kaziimba says: "God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you, William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi; the Lord mercifully with His favour look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come, have life everlasting.

Everyone: "Amen"

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 3:06 PM 

Then all kneel.

The bishop prays: "O holy, gracious and ever living God, You have created us male and female in your image. Look mercifully upon this couple, William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi, who have sought for your blessing in their marriage.

"Assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love, they may honour and uphold the promises and vows they have made with since hearts. Lord, in your mercy.

Everyone responds: "Hear our prayer."

The bishop prays: "Almighty God, the authority of the institution of marriage, in which man and woman give themselves to each other to be one flesh for life, may the lives of these servants, William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi, together be a gift of your love to this broken world, so that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy overcome despair. Lord, in your mercy.

All say: "Hear our prayer.
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 2:47 PM 

The offertory hymn is Amaka ga Kitiibwa by Kazo Church of Uganda choir from Namirembe Diocese.
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 2:43 PM 

'Be faithful'

The Archbishop says the Kyabazinga has "led by example".

After referencing three biblical kings, including King Solomon who had many wives and concubines, Kaziimba concludes with a prayer to the royal couple:

"Please keep this lady, Maama. Maama, keep your husband. And be faithful to each other. And all of you here present, marriage is the holy institution which is invaded by unholy people, but we need to forgive one another."

Busoga people, let us be united. Marriage is good, let us keep it. And Jesus Christ is the only one who can help us to keep this marriage when we accept Him as our Saviour and Lord."
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 2:30 PM 

'Only one rib'

The Archbishop goes on to say that marriage is "God's idea" and was not any man's initiative.

"God removed only one rib out of Adam. Only one rib, which means marriage is between one man and one woman. I am hearing some discussions in Parliament but the truth is, one man and one woman."
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 2:25 PM 

'It's not good for man to be alone'

In his sermon, the Archbishop cites the Bible quoting God as saying "it is not good for man to be alone".

And he goes on: "It is not good for Kyabazinga to be alone. It is not good for people to be alone. God saw everything He had created was good but one thing He said not good was for a man to be alone. And He created him. Adam, he gave him Eve."

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 2:22 PM 

'Queen is in the palace'

"'I congratulate the kingdom for having Maama. The Queen is in the palace," says Kaziimba.

"I congratulate the kingdom, I congratulate the Basoga and all God's people for this  blessing. I congratulate the Bishop of Busoga and Central Busoga for having your cathedral chosen for this royal wedding.

"I must also thank God for choosing me through the Kyabazinga to officiate at this royal wedding. I can't take it for granted.

"I want to congratulate each and every person who has played a role. You must thank God that you are here today."
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 2:18 PM 

'Name a road after Inhebantu Jovia'

The Archbishop goes on to congratulate the Inhebantu's parents for "this joy and pride of having your daughter become the Mother of many", adding that their status has been "elevated".

"Even the village where she comes from has changed now. The clan and the chiefdom, people from Bunya [one of the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga], this is your pride.

"I suggest that since we have a road and lake named after Queen Victoria, we should have a road named after Ihnebantu Jovia, especially that road which goes to her village.

"I want to congratulate all the villagers there. All the women of that village are now elevated."
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 2:13 PM 

'Kyabazinga knows how to make choices'

"This is the day that the Lord has made. This is the day for Isebantu Kyabazinga William and Inhebantu Jovia Mutesi," says Archbishop Kaziimba as he begins his sermon.

"This is the day for Busoga Kingdom! I am reminded of the words of a Psalmist: When the Lord brought His people from exile, it was like a dream. We were filled with laughter, and sang for joy. And everybody said 'The Lord has done great things for us.' To God be the glory.

"Let me congratulate Kyabazinga William and Inhebantu for this achievement. Thank you for making a great choice and for having a wedding done in the church.

'I love the Kyabazinga, he knows how to make choices. You know, he supports the young people and he supports football and he loves Arsenal [an English Premier League football club]. When he chose Arsenal, which is my team, I knew he is a man who knows how to make choices," says Kaziimba, drawing huge applause.
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 2:00 PM 

Nadiope and Mutesi are husband and wife!

The royal newlyweds are now back settled in their seats, next to each other, as the clergy get set for the next part of the service.

It is jubilant singing and dancing from the choir. And former VP Specioza Kazibwe can't help herself: she is up on her feet and dancing joyfully along. Nice moves!
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 1:57 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Nadiope and Mutesi are husband and wife!

The royal couple turns to the congregation and the Archbishop says:

"People of God, now that William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi have given themselves to each other by sincere vows, signified by the joining of hands and the giving and receiving a symbol of marriage, I pronounce that they are now legally, and in accordance with the word of God, husband and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Amen."

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 1:55 PM 

Blessing and exchange of rings

The groom's ring is brought by Prince Edward Paul Kagoda Naimanye while Princess Amanda Grace Nairuba Naimanye brings the bride's ring.

The couple then loosen hands and the Archbishop receives the symbols of marriage and addresses the people.

"People of God, let us ask God to bless these rings of marriage, that they may be a sign of the vow and the covenant this man William Nadiope and this woman Jovia Mutesi have made this day."

Silent prayer follows..

Then the Archbishop says: "Blessed are you, God of steadfast love, source of our joy and fulfillment of our hope. Bless these symbols of marriage, given and received, that they may be a sign of the vow and covenant William Nadiope and Jovia Mutesi have made this day, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Nadiope then places the ring on Mutesi's finger and says:

"Jovia Mutesi, I give you this ring of marriage as a sign of my vow. With my body, I honour you. All that I am, and all that I have, I share with you, in the name of God, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

The bride then places the ring on Nadiope's finger and says:

"William Nadiope, I give you this ring of marriage as a sign of my vow. With my body, I honour you. All that I am, and all that I have, I share with you, in the name of God, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Once again, a round of ulutations fill the air.

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 1:50 PM 

Time to exchange vows

First up is the groom.

"I, William Nadiope, take you, Jovia Mutesi, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, respect, and to cherish for the rest of our lives, according to God's holy law. This is my sincere vow."

Ululations follow and then the choir cuts in with an interlude.

Then, looking directly into his eyes, Mutesi makes her vow: "I, Jovia Mutesi, take you, William Nadiope, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, respect, and to cherish for the rest of our lives, according to God's holy law. This is my sincere vow."
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 1:47 PM 

Presenting and unveiling bride

"You are the witnesses to these vows now being made. Will you do all in your power to support and uphold this marriage?"

"Yes, we will, with the help of God."

Kaziimba continues by asking who is giving the bride for marriage.

Mutesi's brother responds in the affirmative.

The Archbishop receives Mutesi from her brother's hand. Taking her right hand, Kaziimba then presents the bride to the groom, who then gently unveils her with the help of the matron. He is happy with the reveal.

Sharp ululations pierce the air inside the filled church.

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 1:45 PM 

'Yes, I will'

After leading a brief prayer, the Archbishop turns to the groom for the declaration of consent.

"William Nadiope, do you take this woman Jovia Mutesi to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage as revealed in the Holy Scriptures? 

"Will you love her, comfort her, respect, protect, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other women, be faithful to her, as long as you both shall live?

"Yes, I will," says the Kyabazinga.

Kaziimba asks the bride the same.

"Yes, I will," she responds.

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 1:43 PM 

'There is none'

And up on his feet now is the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

He turns to them: "I require and charge you both here in the presence of God and before the body of Christ gathered here, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be lawfully united in marriage, and in accordance with God's Word, you do now confess it.

He turns to the groom...

"Is there any confession to that effect?"

"There is none," comes the Kyabazinga's response in Lusoga.

The Archbishop then turns to the bride with the same question.

"There is none," she, too, responds in Lusoga.
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 1:40 PM 

'Declare it now'

"This man William Nadiope and this woman Jovia Mutesi have come to enter this holy state. They have complied with civil and canon law, and have been duly prepared to enter into marriage.

"They will give their consent to the other; they will exchange sincere vows, and will each give and receive symbols of marriage.

"However, if anyone present knows a reason why this man William Nadiope and this woman Jovia Mutesi may not lawfully marry, must declare it now, or else forever hold your peace."

Silence across the church. And then ululations of all accents as a result of that muted response. 
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 1:36 PM 

Introduction

The bishop says "it is God's purpose that as husband and wife give themselves in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love for life, as Christ is united to His Church and the Bible commends it to be honoured among all people."

"In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to each other to care for each other, in good times and bad times. They are connected to each other's family and begin a new life together in the community," he adds.
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 1:17 PM 

The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Paul Naimanhye, with opening remarks.

He addresses the congregation in Lusoga, recognizing the presence of Vice-President Jessica Alupo (representing President Yoweri Museveni) and Archbishop Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

More introductions follow.
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 1:13 PM 

Ululations across the church as the bride is invited to take her seat - followed by the rest of the congregation in this beautifully ornated space.
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 1:11 PM 

The Kyabazinga has his gaze fixed in front. But from the deliberate positioning of his seating, he can't directly see his bride walk in. The temptation to turn is very real but the youthful monarch stays put. A perfect test of human patience!

What's going through his mind right now?
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 1:06 PM 

Bride finally emerges!

It has been a patient wait but the wait is now over. Jovia Mutesi is helped out of the car, ready to enter an expectant church, with the rest of us keenly following remotely. Well, for others (like in the background of the picture below), not as remotely as you and I.

Veiled and in a magnificent wedding dress with long sleeves (I need help with colour specifics here...cream? Dirty white?), the Inhebantu has company. Upon leaving the car, she is to the church and is met by the sub-dean and vicar. The Queen of Busoga is then joined by the bridesmaids.

Meanwhile, an instrumental by Queen Sheeba welcomes the bride. As she makes her way to the front, all sing Mujje nga Mweterereka.

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 12:58 PM 

As we wait for the bride to be readied for entrance into the church, let me draw you little back to the moment the Kyabazinga, today's groom, was led into the church not long ago.

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 12:35 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

The bride, Jovia Mutesi, has finally arrived at Christ's Cathedral Bugembe.

The cameras are out and ready and the royal horns are being sounded.
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 12:26 PM 

Kyabazinga waits for his bride

It's a hot day, so it's easy to understand why the king pulls out a handkerchief to swipe beads of sweat off his face as he quietly settles into his royal seat wearing full ceremonial attire. Moments later, he is offered a glass of water, which he gladly accepts. (Now I feel like having one myself!)

As he awaits the arrival of his bride, the Kyabazinga decides to bury his attentions into the order of service booklet. Perhaps to ease lingering nerves?

It's a big occasion, this. Kings, too, are not immune to nerves getting better of them. But maybe they are only better than you and I at not giving away any such evidence.

Meanwhile, the bride's convoy continues to slalom through the crowded streets lined with excited people. Just about there.
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 12:17 PM 

The groom is received at the entrance by the cathedral's sub-dean and vicar. Psalm 122 is sung accompanied with Kisoga traditional drums and dance as the Kyabazinga proceeds into the church.

It's a nicely lively atmosphere.
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 12:12 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

The Kyabazinga, wearing his ceremonial attire, disembarks from his vehicle after a couple of minutes spent on clearing his passage.

He will receive a guard of honour as he makes his way into the filled church.

It's hard to read the expression on his face. A bit nervous? Maybe? He looks majestic nonetheless.

The bride is now the only missing piece in this meticulously organized work of royalty. She is on her way to the cathedral.

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 12:06 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

The Kyabazinga, William Nadiope IV, arrives at Christ's Cathedral Bugembe. The royal horn is sounded to signal the king's arrival.

The kingdom prime minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala, is on standby to welcome him. The security personnel are working full time here!

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 11:51 AM 

Prince Arnold Nadiope is the chief groomsman of honour while Josephine Namusoke is the chief maid of honour.

Nadiope (the prince) leads a team of eight other groomsmen and Namusoke is leading the same number of bridesmaids.
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 11:38 AM 

VP Alupo arrives

The Vice-President, Jessica Alupo, has arrived at Christ's Cathedral Bugembe. She has been received by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Lukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister.

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 11:25 AM 

Any time from now, the ceremony will be getting under way. But first, the royal couple must arrive. They are about to.

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 11:18 AM 

If the procession of the royal couple as newlyweds goes ahead and takes place, this (below) is the carriage that they will ride in as they move through the town to their reception.

In the buildup to today's ceremony, there was no certainty offered as to whether the procession would happen, with security saying they would have to first assess how safe it would be.

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 11:05 AM 

Buganda, Toro and Bunyoro kingdoms are very much represented at this wedding ceremony.

Below, seated from left, the Nnabagereka (Queen of Buganda), Sylvia Nagginda, Toro's Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, and Omugo (Queen of Bunyoro) Margaret Karunga.

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 10:59 AM 

Religious, cultural and political institutions are represented at this wedding ceremony that Busoga is witnessing again in nearly seven decades.

Former Vice-President Specioza Kazibwe (Uganda's first female VP, by the way) and National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong are venue neighbours.

Two former Speakers of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga and Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, are also here.

Ssekandi's last political assignment was as Vice-President, with Jessica Alupo succeeding him. (I am told she will represent the President today. Let's wait and see).

Kadaga is currently the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.

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 10:48 AM 

The two separate convoys, one carrying the groom and the other the bride, are making good time on the road.

The Kyabazinga is coming from the Budhumburah palace in Kamuli while Mutesi is being driven from Mayuge.

The weather is behaving well...not moody at all. The sort of weather you would desire for such a big day! You would be sure that many are keeping their fingers locked that clouds do not gather.

Fond childhood memories of 'rain, rain, go away!' come to mind!
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 10:36 AM 

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has already arrived at the cathedral.

He will wed the royal couple.

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 10:25 AM 

The motorcade of the bride has set off from her father's home in Mayuge. That means both the bride and groom are on their way to Bugembe for their much-awaited wedding ceremony.

Meanwhile, miles away, the guests continue to arrive at the cathedral. Below, Toro kingdom prime minister Steven Kiyingi and his wife are here.

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 10:15 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

And the bride, Jovia Mutesi, has emerged from her father's house in Mayuge district. It has been a swift exit from the house and into the awaiting vehicle.

Soon, her motorcade will ease out of this compound and head straight to an eager Bugembe.
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 10:08 AM 

Christ's Cathedral is ready. Bugembe is ready. Busoga is ready.

Everyone is ready.

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 9:57 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

In Kamuli district, the Kyabazinga has emerged from where he was being prepared at the Budhumburah Palace to ululations, ready to head out.

Upon stepping out on a very hot Saturday morning, the 35-year-old monarch waves to his jubilant subjects, before being led into an awaiting vehicle to drive him to Christ's Cathedral in Bugembe, where the church ceremony will take place.

It should take him just under an hour to get to the cathedral.

As the convoy snakes out of the palace, the Kyabazinga's subjects dance on either side in a joyous procession. Soon, they will have to clear the way for the swift drive to Bugembe.

Meanwhile, in Mayuge district, the bride has yet to emerge from her father's house. But the customary rituals have already been conducted.

Culture at its best!
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 9:45 AM 

Arrivals

The guests — invited guests, need I add — have been arriving at Christ's Cathedral in Bugembe to settle in for the church service, which has been scheduled to start at around 11am barring a delay due to unforeseen circumstances.

The old and young have made their way to this venue. The weather is kind.

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 9:33 AM 

Welcome along!

Hello and welcome along to this live text commentary of today's much-anticipated royal wedding ceremony of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, and Jovia Mutesi, the Inhebantu.

It is a day of celebration in Busoga, the whole of Uganda and beyond.
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 9:30 AM 

Happy faces everywhere...

And why not?! The long-awaited day is finally here!