Busoga Kingdom is mourning the death of Prince Henry Woira Kitimbo, the former Isabalangira (Chief Prince) of Bugabula BB Chiefdom, who was laid to rest on Saturday at his ancestral home in Buyingo, Namwendwa Parish, Namwendwa Town Council, Kamuli District.
Kitimbo passed away on Tuesday, April 28, at the age of 75, after developing breathing complications shortly after arriving at Kamuli General Hospital.
The burial service was led by the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Grace Lubaale, assisted by retired Bishop Dr. Michael Aaron Sosan Kyomya.
In his sermon, Bishop Lubaale urged leaders to remain steadfast in their faith and to exercise leadership with humility and service.
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"Leaders must remain devoted to God and use their positions not for personal gain, but in service and humility, remembering that their time in office is temporary," he said.
Busoga Lukiiko (Parliament) Speaker George William Mutyabule described the late Isabalangira as an intelligent and distinguished leader whose contributions to the kingdom will endure.
The burial ceremony drew several dignitaries, including former Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Prince Arnold Nadiope, and Busoga Katuukiro Dr. Joseph Muvawala Nsereke, who represented the Kyabazinga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV. Speakers at the ceremony praised Kitimbo as a dedicated and accomplished servant of the Kyabazinga.
Earlier, on Thursday, the Busoga Lukiiko held a special sitting at the ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga (OBB) headquarters in Bugembe to honor the late prince.
The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Florence Biruma, brought together members of the royal establishment and the kingdom's government.
During the sitting, Dr. Muvawala described Kitimbo as a man of deep humanity whose leadership played a pivotal role in restoring unity within the royal family and the wider kingdom. He also delivered a condolence message from the Kyabazinga, noting that Busoga had lost an intelligent and dedicated leader.
Muvawala further commended the late Isabalangira for promoting peace and unity not only within Busoga Kingdom but across Uganda, and for his efforts in protecting land around Kagulu Rock from encroachment and land grabbing.
"The late Isabalangira was a unifying figure, whose tenure strengthened cohesion within the kingdom," he said.
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He also raised concern over changing cultural practices, particularly the decline of the tradition of bringing food contributions known as Obutaka to funerals.
"The emerging tendency of attendees bringing demands only to eat instead places a financial burden on bereaved families," Muvawala noted.
Members of the Lukiiko paid glowing tribute to the late prince, describing him as a man of integrity who remained steadfast in his principles throughout his leadership. His children also addressed the assembly, sharing personal reflections and honoring their father's legacy.
The session was attended by members of the Busoga Chiefs Royal Council, led by Isabalangira Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, the Menhya of Bugweri Chiefdom; princes and princesses; and Busoga Kingdom ministers, including Yudaya Babirye (Kyabazinga Affairs), Ivan Kiirya (State for Finance), Richard Mafumo (Culture), and Andrew Ntange (Protocol and Security), alongside family members and friends.
