West Nile’s Kebhu Ringangi Kingdom Crowns New King in Vibrant Ceremony

West Nile’s Kebhu Ringangi Kingdom Crowns New King in Vibrant Ceremony

By Mike Rwothomio 

WestNile, Uganda! His Royal Highness Tebbizi Dr. Kevio Jacob Kebbi III was on Friday November 14 , 2025 enthroned as the new Kebhu Ringangi King in a colourful coronation that drew hundreds of Kebhu subjects to Kunukezi, the sacred headquarters of the kingdom in Oliri Parish, Kango sub-county, Zombo District.

The November 14 event marked the official handover of the traditional instruments of power , to His Majesty Kevio, a medical doctor by profession and ex-chief of the Yuu Clan, who now leads with a council of 19 esteemed cabinet members, tasked with steering Kebhu growth and raising the kingdom’s voice beyond West Nile.

King Kevio succeeds the late Kebhu Ringangi King Waringu Ephraim Kebbi II, who passed on last year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kebhu Prime Minister Alexis Okecha hailed the gathering as “history unfolding” in multi-tribal Zombo.

 “Today another king rises in our land,” he declared, praising the Kebhu songs, dances and regalia as proud markers of identity.

 He urged subjects to cherish their language and customs, calling on the Church to safeguard Kebhu tongue and heritage, and appealed to neighbouring tribes for peaceful co-existence, noting Kebhu tribe’s recognition in Uganda’s Constitution.

Rev. Father Patrick, Parish Priest of Kango Catholic Parish, drew lessons from the anointing of Israel’s first kings in the Book of 1 Samuel. Sprinkling holy water on the royal stool, he charged His Majesty to rule with fear of God, foster clan unity and heed the people’s cries.

 “Poverty, discrimination and lack of schools are amongst some of the challenges your people still faces, you need to set them free,” the priest said, adding, “You are the chosen one; stay loyal to God and He will bless you like Solomon.” Rev.Father Patrick noted.

Delegates from DR Congo’s Mahagi, Bunia and Awungba, as well as Kebhu kin from Bunyoro and Arua , filled the grounds to witness the historic rite.

 Organising committee chairperson thanked diaspora Kebhu for their generous gifts that ensured the event’s success.

Minister for Internal and Kingdom Affairs Francis Bolingo described the coronation as “a new chapter for every Kebhu wherever they are, ” stressing love, togetherness and the push for kingdom rights.

The Kebhu flag flies three colours: yellow for sunshine, green for ever-growing fields, and red for brotherhood.

 Four chiefdoms – Ondhikuru, Yuu, Avaji and Emgbathama – each carry a colour rooted in ancestral lore.

Subjects voiced high hopes.

 Counsellor Joan from Lekenda Clan, appealed to the king to tackle widespread illiteracy, while Zamba Clan’s Innocent Ongewun called for unity, jobs and development. 

Alube’s Hitler Awonge urged His Majesty to put Kebhu interests on the national stage.

A newly composed anthem, Kebhu Araga, echoed through the crowd, recounting kingdom origins and rallying support.

 Celebrations continue on Surtaday, November 15, at Alangi Playground in Barunze Village.

How the Kebhu King is Chosen

Nine months after a king’s death or abdication, the Prime Minister holds the stool.

 Clan chiefs then gather, consult , select the successor and present him to the full assembly of Kebhu subjects for acclaim.

The Kebhu, a minority blacksmith people of West Nile, number about 54,000 in Zombo’s Alangi and Kango sub-counties, with millions more across the border in DR Congo.