Jinja, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The upcoming Busoga royal wedding, set to take place on November 18, faces uncertainty due to a court injunction threat. The issue arises from a letter sent by Mugerwa and Partners Advocates and Solicitors on behalf of Ms. Alison Anna Nadiope, who claims to be the legal wife of Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV. The letter, addressed to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Busoga Diocese, objects to the planned wedding, stating that it would amount to bigamy as Ms. Alison claims to be legally married to the Kyabazinga since December 2016. The letter urges the Church not to proceed with the wedding.
Ms. Alison had previously taken legal action in the United Kingdom (UK), where the alleged civil marriage took place. She contends that the Kyabazinga has not divorced her, and entering into another marriage would be considered bigamy under UK law.
The Busoga Kingdom has dismissed the legal challenges, emphasizing that traditional leaders are not secured through courts of law. The spokesperson for the kingdom, Mr. Andrew Ntange, urged people to ignore the court documents, stating that the traditional marriage process for a queen is well-established, and they are preparing for the wedding.
The uncertainty surrounding the royal wedding highlights the intersection of cultural and legal complexities in matters of traditional leadership and marriage.
