Plot to Poison Omukama Leaks

Police is investigating an attempt on the life of Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom.

 

It is alleged that unidentified assailants still at large entered the Omukama’s kitchen about six days ago and emptied two sachets of rat poison in the King’s flask.

In a statement to police Christopher Byaruhanga, the king’s chef says that unidentified person sneaked into the King’s kitchen and switched of light while he had gone to fetch charcoal from the store.

Byaruhanga says that on his return he saw the assailant running out of the kitchen dressed in a military uniform.

The chef says that he saw two empty sachets of rat poison in the corner, which he later discovered had been emptied in the King’s flask.

Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson says that Byaruhanga informed the King’s Principal Private Secretary Jonan Atuhura who in turn informed the king.

Enanga notes that preliminary police investigations show that the attempt on the king’s life is as a result of the conflict in the palace between the King and the queen Margaret Karungi together with two Princess Daphine Kabatalesa and Doreen Kabasunga.

The conflict between members of the royal family has created two cliques in the palace one allied to the king and another to the queen.

He says the conflict came to the fore after the King requested the removal of Bosco Busingye, the body guard of the queen mother.

However, the queen has since filed a complaint at the police headquarters and vowed to bring back Busingye claiming that her life was in danger adding that he is the only person she can trust.

The queen also is looking for a personal chef on grounds that she does not trust the King’s chef.

The news on the threats on the Omukama’s life is not new. Recently, we ran a story in which the Omukama accused the head of the royal clans, Babiito of plotting to end his life.

This is the third time that the King is claiming his life is at risk. In 2008, the King’s driver escaped unhurt when an armed escort of the King shot at his vehicle as traveling along Masindi-Kigumba road.

Four months earlier, the King was involved in a shooting incident in Bulisa district.

At the time, Bunyoro Prime Minister Emmanuel Kiiza said the King was being targeted for his support of the proposals on Land Amendment Bill, now laws.

The Bunyoro kingdom Premier at the time, also said that the king had asked him to inform his subject that unknown people were trialing him.

King Iguru also said his life was in danger because the palace, in which he resides, is exposed, with paths crossing through and around the palace compound.

The kingdom has on several occasions asked government to beef up security for the King.