A woman, self-identified as Alison Anna Gabula Nadiope, has taken legal action against the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope, in the United Kingdom (UK), claiming that she is still legally married to him.
On September 7, the Busoga Kingdom unveiled Ms. Jovia Mutesi as the Inebantu (Queen) to the Kyabazinga in anticipation of their wedding scheduled for November 18.
However, a letter, reportedly from Mrs. Nadiope’s lawyers at Anne Cuthbert Solicitors Ltd, a UK-based law firm, has come to light.
The letter states that Ms. Alison Nadiope married the Kyabazinga in December 2016 and they have two children. She is willing to provide a copy of the marriage certificate and photographs of their wedding if required.
The letter also raises concerns that the Kyabazinga has not divorced her and intends to enter another marriage. It warns that bigamy is a punishable offense under UK law, carrying a potential penalty of up to six months imprisonment.
Efforts to independently verify the letter from the UK-based law firm, Anne Cuthbert Solicitors Ltd, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Busoga Kingdom Responds to Alison Anna Gabula Nadiope
Mr. Andrew Ntange, the spokesperson of Busoga Kingdom, dismissed the letter as negative energy, asserting that wedding preparations are proceeding smoothly.
He described the letter as “contemptuous” and stated that it won’t be given any attention.
Ms. Justine Kasule Lumumba, the head of media and entertainment on the organizing committee of the Busoga royal wedding, denied having received any such communication.
She explained that Busoga Kingdom’s culture dictates that the Kyabazinga has a responsibility to introduce the Inebantu (Queen) to the people, which is set to occur on November 18, and that they have no authority to decline.
Ms. Kasule also announced an upcoming Royal Dinner Bouquet to be held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on October 27, as part of the activities leading up to the Kyabazinga’s wedding.
This event aims to provide an opportunity for friends of Busoga, corporate entities, humanitarian agencies, and other partners to participate in the royal celebrations.