Busoga Region. August 4 2025: In an unprecedented move, His Royal majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Kandumbula Gabula Nadiope IV has suspended this year’s Kagulu Rock Climbing Ceremony, demanding immediate justice and accountability from Uganda Police after the alleged gang rape of a minor by uniformed officers during last year’s event.
The royal directive, which has stunned the nation, was issued through Owek. Edward Paul Munaaba, Minister for General Duties in the Busoga Kingdom, during a community outreach organized by SHARE Uganda on early pregnancies and youth safety early last week inn Buyende district
“We cannot celebrate culture and tourism while our children are abused by those meant to protect them,” Munaaba declared. “Until the implicated officers are prosecuted, the Kagulu Rock event is suspended.”
The victim, a teenage girl from Kagulu, was reportedly assaulted during the 2024 night vigil of the ceremony. Her parents filed a police report after she bravely revealed her ordeal. However, investigations have stalled, with Buyende District Police accused of evidence tampering and shielding suspects—sparking public outrage across Busoga and beyond.
Kyabazinga’s Ultimatum to Police
The Kyabazinga has now given Uganda Police a short window to act, warning that failure to deliver justice could lead to a total cancellation of the iconic event, which annually attracts thousands of revelers and dignitaries from across Uganda and the diaspora.
Political Shockwaves Ahead of 2026 Elections
The suspension if effected will be a heavy blow to the political class. The Kagulu ceremony has long served as a rare non-partisan public stage, where politicians launch programs, connect with grassroots communities, and project unity. Its sudden suspension denies political hopefuls visibility and may reshape local political momentum as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
Police Respond, but Doubts Linger
Speaking during a recent Women’s Parliament dialogue in Nawanyago Sub-county, Busoga North Police Spokesperson Afande Michael Kasadha acknowledged the investigation:
“Samples were taken to the lab. We’re waiting for results. The main challenge is identifying the specific officers. Let no one accuse us of corruption—we are committed to finding the truth,” Kasadha stated.
But critics argue that the silence of the Buyende DPC, combined with sluggish investigations, has eroded public confidence.
A Region Under Threat
Busoga is grappling with a surge in early pregnancies, defilement, and school dropout rates—challenges worsened by poverty, cultural silence, and weak enforcement. Nationally, over 10,000 girls under 18 were impregnated last year alone.
“Teenage pregnancy is stealing our future. When such crimes are committed by the very people sworn to protect, we as a Kingdom cannot stay silent,” said Munaaba.
Tourism Versus Justice
Kagulu Rock, a towering cultural symbol and major tourist attraction in Eastern Uganda, has long united Basoga and brought in vital income. But for the Kyabazinga, child safety trumps tradition.
As UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, the Kyabazinga continues to champion OMUSAADHA N’EMPAANGO, a campaign urging male involvement in ending teenage pregnancy and promoting girls’ education.
“This Kingdom will no longer tolerate crime hidden behind culture or uniforms. There will be no ceremony until justice is served,” Munaaba emphasized.
Minister for Tourism Clarifies: “Kagulu is Still On—After CEC Elections”
When Contacted early this morning, Owek. Counsel Hellen Namutamba, Busoga’s Minister for Tourism, and the lead promoter for Kagulu rock festival dismissed claims of a permanent cancellation. Owek . Namutamba said the arrangements are still intact waiting for the NRM CEC elections to end .
“Wrong. Kagulu is on—after the NRM CEC elections,” she clarified, confirming that the ceremony will be rescheduled, not scrapped—provided the situation improves.
No Police Statement Yet
By press time, Uganda Police had not issued an official statement. But insiders in the Kingdom confirmed
Still a developing story………
