Omukama [King] Rwigi IV Bwebale Rutakirwa began his struggle to restore Busongora Kingdom in 1961. At that time he began to organize for displaced Basongora to return to Busongora. He travelled widely and visited many communities across Uganda persuading them to provide cows to support the restoration project.
In 2012 the Council of Accession appointed Ivan Bwebale to the office of King of Busongora, and he took the regnal name Rwigi IV Bwebale Rutakirwa. His reign galvanized Basongora, and helped to focus the world's attention on the one of the world's most endangered communities. During his time in office, UNESCO and the government authorized emergency measures to try and secure Busongora's disappearing culture and history. Moreover, many Basongora found confidence.
Because of the decision that the Basongora took to restore their kingdom, many other marginalized cultural communities took heart and followed the example of the Basongora. Shortly afterward the Bamba, the Batuku, Banyabindi, and several other communities across Uganda all demanded restoration - or more equitable re-organization - of their cultural institutions in order to follow Busongora's example. Rwigi's mature leadership made him the most popular king in Uganda, and he was extensively and constructively featured in the media throughout the duration of his reign.
King Rwigi IV passed away on 28 April 2015, at Kadic Hospital in Kampala, after having been diagnosed with prostate cancer.