The leadership standoff in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has taken a fresh turn after Chief Prince Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, popularly known as Okwiri, ordered Prime Minister Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga to vacate office by October 15, 2026.
In a public statement shared on social media, Rucunya accused Byakutaga of illegally occupying the position of Omuhikirwa and called on him to peacefully hand over the kingdom’s office and property.
Rucunya argued that Byakutaga’s original term of office and subsequent extension had expired. He also disputed the authority of the Royal Commission to extend the Prime Minister’s tenure, saying the Babiito ruling clan does not recognise the extension as a lawful basis for his continued stay in office.
According to the Okwiri, an emergency meeting of Babiito clan leaders considered the matter and resolved that Byakutaga should leave office.
Rucunya further expressed concern over the prolonged absence of a functioning Rukurato and Cabinet, saying the situation had affected the administration and development of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
The Chief Prince also cautioned government agencies, development partners, organisations and other institutions against conducting official kingdom business through Byakutaga without first establishing the legal and institutional authority under which he operates.
He warned that commitments or transactions entered into on behalf of the kingdom during the disputed period could be considered unauthorised.
“This is not a personal fight against Mr. Byakutaga,” Rucunya stated, explaining that his position was intended to protect the institution of Obukama, restore proper administration and safeguard kingdom property.
The Okwiri appealed to all Banyoro to remain peaceful and united, urging that leadership disagreements be resolved through lawful, peaceful and culturally appropriate means.
The latest statement adds to a prolonged leadership dispute within Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, with disagreements over the Prime Minister’s mandate and the authority of the kingdom’s administrative structures continuing to attract attention.
Rucunya’s October 15 deadline now places further focus on the competing claims of authority and the next steps in resolving the kingdom’s leadership crisis.
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE LEADERSHIP OF BUNYORO-KITARA KINGDOM
As the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, I wish to clarify to all Banyoro and the general public the position we have taken concerning the office of the Prime Minister, currently ILLEGALLY occupied by… pic.twitter.com/J3EGAYwWE4
— Okwiri Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya (@okwirifredmug) September 17, 2026
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