West Nile’s Kebhu Ringangi Kingdom Crowns New King
He described the coronation as “a new chapter for every Kebhu, wherever they are,” emphasizing love, unity, and the pursuit of kingdom rights.
Zombo: His Royal Highness Tebbizi Dr. Kevio Jacob Kebbi III was enthroned on Friday, 14th November 2025, as the new Kebhu Ringangi King in a colorful coronation that drew hundreds of subjects to Kunukezi, the sacred headquarters of the kingdom in Oliri Parish, Kango Sub-county.
The event marked the official handover of the traditional instruments of power to His Majesty Kevio, a medical doctor and former chief of the Yuu Clan.
He now leads the kingdom with a council of 19 cabinet members tasked with promoting Kebhu growth and elevating the kingdom’s voice beyond West Nile. King Kevio succeeds the late King Waringu Ephraim Kebbi II, who passed away last year.
Kebhu Prime Minister Alexis Okecha hailed the ceremony as “history unfolding” in multi-tribal Zombo. “Today another king rises in our land,” he said, praising the kingdom’s songs, dances, and regalia as proud markers of identity.
He urged subjects to cherish their language and customs, called on the Church to safeguard the Kebhu tongue, and appealed to neighboring tribes for peaceful co-existence, noting the Kebhu tribe’s recognition in Uganda’s Constitution.
Rev. Father Patrick, Parish Priest of Kango Catholic Parish, sprinkled holy water on the royal stool and urged the king to rule with fear of God, foster clan unity, and address challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of schools. “You are the chosen one; stay loyal to God and He will bless you like Solomon,” he said.
Delegates from DR Congo’s Mahagi, Bunia, and Awungba, as well as Kebhu kin from Bunyoro and Arua, attended the ceremony. The organizing committee thanked diaspora Kebhu for their generous contributions that helped make the event a success.
Minister for Internal and Kingdom Affairs Francis Bolingo described the coronation as “a new chapter for every Kebhu, wherever they are,” emphasizing love, unity, and the pursuit of kingdom rights.
The Kebhu flag flies three colors: yellow for sunshine, green for ever-growing fields, and red for brotherhood. Four chiefdoms Ondhikuru, Yuu, Avaji, and Emgbathama each carry a color rooted in ancestral lore.
Subjects expressed high hopes for the new king. Counsellor Joan of the Lekenda Clan urged action on widespread illiteracy, while Zamba Clan’s Innocent Ongewun called for unity, jobs, and development. Alube’s Hitler Awonge encouraged the king to elevate Kebhu interests nationally.
A newly composed anthem, Kebhu Araga, recounted the kingdom’s origins and rallied the crowd. Celebrations continue on Saturday, 15th November, 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.
The New King His Royal Highness Tebbizi Dr. Kevio Jacob Kebbi III
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