Bunyoro leadership row deepens as Chief Prince Okwiri orders Byakutaga to vacate Prime Minister’s office
According to Rucunya, the Babiito ruling clan does not recognise the extension of Byakutaga’s tenure as providing a lawful basis for his continued occupation of the office.
The leadership dispute in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has intensified after the Kingdom’s Okwiri (Chief Prince), Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, called on Prime Minister Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga to vacate office by October 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Okwiri’s office, Rucunya said Byakutaga’s continued occupation of the Prime Minister’s office was not recognised by the Babiito ruling clan, which he said disputes the authority of the Royal Commission to extend the Prime Minister’s tenure.
Rucunya said Byakutaga had been formally asked to peacefully hand over the office and Kingdom property by October 15, 2026.
He cited several reasons for the position, including the expiry of Byakutaga’s original term and the subsequent period under which he continued to serve.
According to Rucunya, the Babiito ruling clan does not recognise the extension of Byakutaga’s tenure as providing a lawful basis for his continued occupation of the office.
He further said an emergency meeting of Babiito clan leaders had considered the matter and resolved that Byakutaga should vacate office.
The Okwiri also raised concerns over what he described as a prolonged period without a functioning Rukurato and Cabinet, saying this had affected the normal administration and development of the Kingdom.
“The continued dispute over the Prime Minister’s mandate has created unnecessary uncertainty and division at a time when our people need unity, accountable leadership and strong institutions,” Rucunya said.
Warning to institutions
Rucunya also cautioned individuals, organisations, government agencies and development partners intending to conduct official Kingdom business through Byakutaga.
He said the Babiito ruling clan and his office dispute Byakutaga’s authority to transact business on behalf of the Kingdom.
He urged anyone entering into commitments or transactions with Byakutaga in his purported capacity as Prime Minister to independently establish the legal and institutional authority under which he was acting.
“The Kingdom should not be bound by unauthorised commitments made during a disputed mandate,” he said.
Rucunya stressed that the dispute should not be interpreted as a personal conflict with Byakutaga, but rather as an effort to protect the institution of Obukama, restore what he described as proper administration and safeguard the Kingdom’s interests and property.
He appealed to the people of Bunyoro to remain peaceful and united, saying leadership differences should be addressed through lawful, peaceful and culturally appropriate means.
The statement comes amid an ongoing dispute over the leadership and administrative structures of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
Byakutaga’s position and response to the allegations contained in Rucunya’s statement were not included in the statement issued by the Okwiri.
