Bugabula
Bugabula is one of the five traditional principalities of the kingdom of Busoga in Uganda. It is located in the Kamuli District.
It was founded around 1730 and became a part of the British protectorate in Busoga in 1896. Its current ruler is Gabula William Nadiope IV.
History
was historically organised into hereditary chiefdoms. Bugabula is listed among the 11 chiefdoms referenced in accounts of the formation and evolution of the Kyabazingaship.
During colonial administration, Bugabula appears in historical scholarship on Busoga’s local governance and administrative reorganisation. For example, research on Busoga’s ethnic formation discusses colonial-era appointments and offices in Bugabula.
Geography and administration
Bugabula County is in Kamuli District in Uganda’s Eastern Region. Sub-counties and town councils listed for Bugabula County in the 2024 census reporting include Balawoli, Bulopa, Butansi, Kagumba, Kitayunjwa, Nabwigulu, Namasagali, Namwendwa, and the town councils of Balawoli and Namwendwa.
Demographics
Bugabula County's population was reported as 306,092 in the 2024 census reporting. The same reporting lists 144,550 males and 161,542 females, and summarises age groups as 0–14, 15–64, and 65+.
Politics
In Uganda's parliamentary representation for Kamuli District, Bugabula is represented through constituencies titled Bugabula County North and Bugabula County South. The MPs listed for the 11th Parliament include John Teira and Henry Maurice Kibalya.
Traditional leadership
Bugabula is associated with the office of the Gabula. Media reporting on Busoga's leadership notes Bugabula among Busoga's chiefdoms, and reports that Prince William Gabula Nadiope IV from Bugabula chiefdom in Kamuli District was installed as Kyabazinga of Busoga in September 2014 at Bugembe.