Mengo has announced that Watoto Ministries will host this year’s thanksgiving service to mark the 33rd anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s coronation.
Speaking while unveiling the programme for the celebrations, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the annual thanksgiving is held to commemorate the Kabaka’s coronation, which remains a significant milestone in Buganda’s history and cultural heritage.
He said the kingdom has, over the past 33 years, organised prayers through different religious denominations. Last year’s thanksgiving service was hosted by the Muslim community at Kibuli, while this year’s event will be held at Watoto Ministries in Bweyogerere.
Mayiga said the Kabaka has always encouraged Buganda to embrace all people regardless of their religious affiliation.
“The Kabaka always directs us to embrace everyone. That is why this time we approached the Born Again faith to organise this thanksgiving celebration,” Mayiga said.
He added that this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme of protecting Buganda’s heritage.
“I would like to thank Watoto Ministries for accepting to host the Buganda Kingdom celebrations to mark the Kabaka’s 33 years on the throne,” he said.
Mayiga also outlined a series of activities that will take place before the main thanksgiving service.
On July 19, the kingdom will organise the Yiyoota Gombolola community clean-up exercise in Busujju.
On July 23, Buganda will officially launch and demonstrate to the public the proper way of singing the Buganda anthem.
On the same day, several Buganda chiefs will receive digital tablets as part of efforts to promote digital transformation within the kingdom’s administration.
A Bulungi Bwansi community service exercise will be held in Bweyogerere on July 24 to promote cleanliness and environmental conservation.
Other religious groups, including Muslims, Seventh-day Adventists and other faith communities, will also hold special prayers for the Kabaka on the same day.
The annual Ekyooto cultural gathering will take place on July 25 at Kasangati in Wakiso District, where young people will learn from elders about Buganda’s traditions, values, and culture.
On July 27, Nalinya Lubuga will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at the Mengo campus. A memorial lecture will also be held on the same day.
The programme will continue on July 30 with an exhibition highlighting the cultural value of bark cloth by the Ngoonge Clan.
The celebrations will culminate in the main thanksgiving service on July 31 at Watoto Ministries in Bweyogerere.
Speaking on behalf of Watoto Ministries, Pastor Julius Rwotionyo thanked the Buganda Kingdom for entrusting the church with hosting the landmark celebration.
“We are very thankful for this opportunity to host the thanksgiving service marking the Kabaka’s 33 years on the throne,” Rwotionyo said.
“It is our honour to welcome the Kabaka and the people of Buganda to Watoto Ministries for this special celebration,” he added.
