By Moses Andama
www.mknewslink.com
In Hoima—
The Chief Prince of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, commonly known as Okwiri, has declared that the term of office of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga has expired, describing his continued stay in office as illegal.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Rukooge Cell, Hoima City, Okwiri said the Babiito ruling clan held an emergency meeting attended by 68 clan heads, who unanimously resolved that Byakutaga should vacate the office of Prime Minister.
“It was unanimously resolved by the 68 clan heads that the term of the Prime Minister had expired and that he should vacate office,” Okwiri said.
The development comes after Okwiri announced the appointment of Dr. Baltazar Kyamanywa Kasirivu Atwooki as interim Prime Minister for a three-year period, alongside a new cabinet, which was sworn in before a Commissioner for Oaths.
Okwiri said Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I has been indisposed and undergoing treatment for a prolonged period, adding that this has left him, as Chief Prince, with a responsibility to safeguard the affairs of the kingdom.
He has consequently given Byakutaga until October to vacate the office, insisting that his tenure has already expired.
Okwiri also accused the Royal Commission chaired by Dr. Fred Kallisa Kabagambe of unilaterally extending Byakutaga’s tenure, arguing that the commission had no mandate to extend the Prime Minister’s term of office.
“The Royal Commission does not have powers to extend the term of the Prime Minister. That decision was made unilaterally,” Okwiri said.
He further called upon the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, to uphold and respect the values, norms and traditions of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
Okwiri also questioned a letter reportedly introduced to the office of the Chief Prince, which he said restricted or prevented him from holding meetings.
According to Okwiri, the Babiito ruling clan mandates the Chief Prince to manage the affairs of the kingdom whenever the Omukama is indisposed.
He warned that if Byakutaga does not comply with the directive to vacate office, they may seek the intervention of relevant government agencies to enforce the decision.
“If Byakutaga fails to comply, we shall be forced to engage the relevant government agencies to enforce the decision,” Okwiri said.
He called upon the people of Bunyoro to support what he described as efforts to restore order and uphold the values and traditions of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
When contacted for comment, Andrew Byakutaga declined to comment on the matter.