Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Clarifies Security Deployment Around Its Properties

HOIMA CITY – The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (BKK) has clarified that the deployment of security personnel around its properties in Hoima City is a precautionary measure following intelligence indicating that unknown individuals were allegedly planning to attack Kingdom facilities.

In an official statement issued on Monday, Owek. Andrew Byakutaga, the Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, said the Kingdom had received a security briefing concerning a possible attack on its facilities.

According to Byakutaga, the security agencies subsequently assessed the situation and deployed personnel around Kingdom properties to protect the Kingdom's assets, officials and members of the public.

“Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has received a security briefing indicating that unknown individuals were allegedly planning an attack on Kingdom facilities,” the statement said.

The Prime Minister said the deployment was therefore intended as a precautionary measure to safeguard the Kingdom's installations and ensure the safety of those within and around its premises.

He expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their vigilance and commitment to protecting the Kingdom and maintaining security.

The statement came after police and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed personnel around Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom premises in Hoima City on Monday morning.

By about 9 a.m., security personnel had surrounded the Kingdom headquarters, with access to the Kingdom chambers, commonly known as the Rukurato, restricted.

Heavily armed officers were also visibly stationed around the chambers and the palace, while other security personnel conducted patrols in parts of Hoima City.

The deployment attracted public attention as residents observed an increased security presence around key Kingdom installations.

However, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, SP Julius Hakiza, described the operation as a normal security deployment aimed at maintaining public order.

Hakiza said security agencies had received intelligence indicating that a group of youths was allegedly planning to storm the Kingdom headquarters and cause chaos.

“We received intelligence indicating that a group of youth were planning to storm the headquarters to cause chaos,” Hakiza said in a telephone interview.

He explained that the deployment involving both police and military personnel was intended to prevent any potential unrest before it occurred.

The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt peace and security in the city.

Hakiza further warned that security forces were prepared to take appropriate action against anyone found engaging in activities that threaten public order.

Kingdom Offices Remain Open

Despite the heightened security presence, Byakutaga sought to reassure members of the public that the Kingdom's normal operations had not been suspended.

He said all Kingdom offices remain open and accessible to the public and continue to operate normally.

The clarification is intended to dispel concerns that the security deployment had resulted in the closure of Kingdom offices or a halt in official activities.

The Kingdom urged the public to continue accessing its services while security agencies maintain their deployment around the properties.

The situation comes amid heightened attention to security around the Kingdom's installations, with both the Kingdom administration and security authorities emphasizing the need for calm and the protection of public order.

For the Kingdom leadership, the deployment is being treated as a precautionary security measure based on information received by the relevant agencies, rather than an indication that normal Kingdom activities have been suspended.

Byakutaga's statement also underscores the Kingdom's appreciation of the role of security agencies in protecting its officials, properties and the wider public.

The Kingdom has consequently called for calm as security personnel continue to monitor the situation around its facilities in Hoima City.

As of Monday afternoon, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom offices remained open and operational, according to the Prime Minister's statement.