OMUKAMA GAFABUSA HEALTH CONDITION: Bunyoro’s Ruling Babiito Clan Looking for Money from Government and Well-wishers to Take King Abroad for Better Treatment

The Babiito ruling clan of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has resolved to have its king Omukama Dr Solomon Gafabusa Iguru taken abroad for specialised medical treatment as concern grows over the monarch’s deteriorating health.

The clan is now seeking financial assistance from the government and well-wishers to facilitate the king’s treatment outside Uganda.

The resolution was reached during a Babiito general meeting held on September 27, 2026, at the Cultural Lodge in Hoima City.

The meeting, chaired by Kingdom Chief Prince (Okwir) Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, brought together more than 100 Babiito clan members from across Bunyoro, alongside members of the royal family.

Among those present were Omubiito Richard Kitahimba, the Omukama’s son and Principal Private Secretary, and Omubiitokati Daphine Kabatalesa, the king’s daughter.

The meeting comes amid renewed concern over the health of the 78-year-old monarch, whose prolonged illness has for years limited his ability to carry out some of his official duties.

The king’s health has been a subject of concern within Bunyoro for more than a decade, with his condition resulting in periods of prolonged absence from public functions.

In 2024, the High Court in Hoima ordered that the Omukama be taken abroad for specialised treatment, directing that he receive medical care in India or another country with suitable advanced medical facilities.

The court order followed an application by former kingdom tourism minister Prince Apolo Kisoro, who had raised concerns about the king’s condition.

The Omukama was subsequently airlifted from Hoima to Kampala by presidential helicopter in October 2024 for further medical attention before returning to Bunyoro.

Although officials later described his condition as stable, concerns about his health have persisted, with the king spending extended periods at Karuziika Palace away from many of his public responsibilities.

The latest Babiito meeting has now revived the push for specialised treatment outside the country.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Rucunya said the clan had unanimously agreed that the Omukama should be taken abroad as soon as possible.

He said Kitahimba informed the meeting that the king had been receiving treatment, but members were concerned that the medical care provided so far had not been adequate.

The clan also expressed concern about the king’s continued stay at Karuziika Palace despite his deteriorating condition.

Rucunya said the Babiito would begin mobilising resources from people across the kingdom and other well-wishers to support the Omukama’s treatment.

The clan also plans to approach the government for financial and logistical assistance, arguing that the state has a legal responsibility towards the kingdom and its cultural institution.

“About the king’s health, we unanimously agreed that the king needs to be taken out of the country to get specialised treatment as the court ordered us. So, we agreed with that and said that we shall contact the government so that it can assist since it is responsible by law,” he said.

The renewed call for overseas treatment comes nearly two years after the court directed that the monarch receive specialised medical care outside Uganda.

The Omukama’s prolonged illness has also created wider administrative challenges for the kingdom, with his inability to perform some official functions contributing to disputes over the management of kingdom affairs.

For the Babiito, however, the immediate priority is now the king’s health.

The ruling clan says it will mobilise support from within Bunyoro while simultaneously seeking government assistance to ensure the Omukama can access specialised treatment abroad.

Meanwhile, in what appears like a show or Musuuga-like powers, Energized by His Tooro Counterpart, Bunyoro’s Chief Prince (Okwir) is shaking Kingdom Leadership As Power Struggle Intensifies Amidst Omukama Gafabusa Sickness, as detailed HERE.