Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has urged his subjects to remain united and confident despite the social, economic and political challenges facing the kingdom as Uganda enters 2026.
The monarch made the call during the Enkuuka Bwaguuga 2025 celebrations, an annual cultural event organised by Central Broadcasting Service at the Lubiri Palace in Mengo.
Kabaka Mutebi was accompanied by the Nabagereka, Lady Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Princess Katalina Sangalyambogo and the Crown Prince, Richard Ssemakokiro.
Addressing thousands of subjects, the Kabaka thanked them for their loyalty and continued support to the Buganda Kingdom.
“I want to express my gratitude for the love and support you have shown me, the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda at large,” the Kabaka said amid cheers from the crowd.
He praised the unity among his subjects and encouraged them to continue supporting kingdom development programmes, including Mwanyi Terimba, Ekisaakate kya Maama Nabagereka, BUCADEF, the Masaza Football Tournament, the Buganda Clans Sports Tournament, the Kabaka Birthday Run and the Entanda programme aired on CBS FM and BBS Terefayina.
Dressed in a brown suit and blue striped tie, the Kabaka said the projects were vital in strengthening the foundation of the Buganda Kingdom and sustaining its development agenda.
He reminded his subjects that Buganda’s strong social, economic and political organisation had impressed British colonial administrators when they arrived in the kingdom.
“They admired our values, culture and systems of governance,” he said, calling on his people to preserve Buganda’s cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Kabaka Mutebi, who has reigned since his coronation in 1993 at Naggalabi Buddo, urged subjects from Buganda’s 18 counties, including Bulemeezi, Gomba, Kyadondo, Buddu, Mawogola, Buruli, Kooki, Busiro, Kyaggwe and Butambala, to remain united.
“Things and situations will change as long as we remain united instead of being divided,” he said.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, thanked the Kabaka’s subjects for their loyalty and commitment to the kingdom.
Mayiga said the support of the people had enabled the success of key projects such as the reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs, Mwanyi Terimba, partnerships with institutions including BUCADEF and BIKAL, the Office of the Nabagereka, the Kabaka Foundation, and programmes aired on CBS and BBS.
During the event, the Kabaka awarded a land title and Shs5m to John Basajjamivule, the winner of the Entanda programme, which promotes the teaching and preservation of the Luganda language.
Basajjamivule was visibly emotional as he received the award, prompting the Kabaka and the Katikkiro to encourage him to remain strong.
Matayo Sewanyana, the runner up in the Omuzira Bazira show aired on CBS FM, received a trophy and other gifts from the Kabaka. He knelt before the monarch in respect before taking photographs.
Many subjects expressed excitement at seeing the Kabaka in public after a long absence, noting that he appeared healthy and in good spirits.
