Political leaders, religious leaders, cultural figures and hundreds of members of the public yesterday converged at Watoto Church in Bweyogerere for a thanksgiving service celebrating the 33rd coronation anniversary of Buganda’s king, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The service brought together an unusual mix of political, religious and cultural figures, with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi among those who joined the faithful in marking the historic milestone.
The gathering was held under the annual Amatikkira celebrations, which commemorate the day Kabaka Mutebi II was enthroned as the 36th Kabaka of Buganda on July 31, 1993.
Nabbanja Joins Buganda Celebrations
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja arrived at Watoto Church in Bweyogerere to join the celebrations, marking a significant government presence at an event deeply rooted in Buganda’s cultural identity.
Her attendance placed the anniversary among a series of occasions where government and cultural leaders have shared a platform, despite the often-complex political relationship between the central government and cultural institutions.
The presence of the Prime Minister also signalled the importance attached to Buganda’s institution and its cultural leadership, particularly on an occasion celebrating more than three decades of Kabaka Mutebi’s reign.
Nabbanja joined worshippers in celebrating the Kabaka and praying for his continued wellbeing, while members of the congregation witnessed the convergence of government representatives, cultural leaders and the wider public.
Nnabagereka Leads Royal Participation
The Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, was among the prominent figures taking part in the service.
Her participation added a royal dimension to the thanksgiving, as Buganda subjects gathered to honour the Kabaka and celebrate the journey of his 33-year reign.
The Nnabagereka has over the years played a major role in promoting family values, health, education, women’s empowerment and cultural preservation, complementing the work of the Kabaka and the wider Kingdom institution.
Her presence at the Bweyogerere service provided a powerful reminder that the coronation anniversary is not merely a political or cultural event but also a moment of reflection for the royal family and Buganda subjects.
Ssenyonyi Joins Leaders
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi also joined leaders and worshippers at Watoto Church.
His presence brought an opposition political voice into a gathering already attended by senior government officials and cultural leaders.
For many Buganda subjects, the participation of leaders across the political divide underscored the broad appeal of the Kabaka as a cultural institution whose significance extends beyond partisan politics.
The anniversary has traditionally attracted leaders from different political formations, with politicians often using the occasion to reaffirm their respect for Buganda’s heritage and its people.
A Different Kind Of Coronation Service
This year’s thanksgiving service carries its own significance because it is being hosted at Watoto Church, bringing Buganda’s traditional celebrations into an evangelical Christian setting.
The Kingdom has increasingly embraced a rotational approach in which different religious denominations host the annual thanksgiving service.The move has been interpreted as an expression of religious inclusiveness and recognition that Buganda’s subjects belong to different faith traditions.
The service at Watoto Church therefore represents another chapter in the Kingdom’s effort to bring together Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, evangelicals and other faith communities under the common cultural identity of Buganda.
Pastor Rwotlonyo Speaks To The Faithful
Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Team Leader at Watoto Church Ministries, addressed congregants during the service, which combined worship, prayer and thanksgiving.
The church has become an important part of the day’s celebrations as worshippers gathered to thank God for the Kabaka’s life and leadership while praying for Buganda and Uganda.
The religious setting has also reinforced the spiritual message attached to the anniversary — that the continued existence of cultural institutions and communities is a matter for thanksgiving and renewed commitment.
The gathering provided a platform for church leaders to speak not only about the Kabaka but also about unity, service, peace and the responsibility of communities to preserve their values.
33 Years Of Kabaka Mutebi
Kabaka Mutebi II was crowned at Naggalabi Buddo on July 31, 1993, restoring a highly visible cultural institution after years during which traditional kingdoms had been abolished.
His coronation became a defining moment in Uganda’s cultural history, ushering in a new era for Buganda and restoring the Kabakaship to the centre of public cultural life.
Thirty-three years later, the institution remains a powerful symbol of Buganda’s identity, attracting millions of subjects and supporters who continue to identify with the Kabaka and the Kingdom.The anniversary has consequently become an important moment for Buganda to reflect on its achievements, challenges and aspirations.
Beyond The Palace
The 33rd coronation anniversary is not limited to ceremonies at the royal palace.
The Kingdom has used the celebrations to promote community development, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, education and social responsibility.
Across Buganda, various activities have formed part of the anniversary programme, encouraging subjects to participate in initiatives intended to improve their communities and strengthen their connection to the Kingdom.
This year’s theme, “Fortitude as We Preserve Our Heritage,” places particular emphasis on resilience and the responsibility of the current generation to protect Buganda’s traditions for the future.
The message has resonated with cultural leaders who argue that heritage must be protected while allowing younger generations to understand its relevance in a rapidly changing society.
A Call For Unity
The Bweyogerere thanksgiving service has also demonstrated the unifying power of the Kabaka’s institution.At a time when Uganda remains politically divided, the presence of government officials, opposition politicians, clergy and cultural leaders under one roof provided a rare image of unity.
The Kabaka’s anniversary offers one of the few major national occasions where political differences can temporarily give way to shared cultural identity.For Buganda, that unity remains central to the survival and relevance of the Kingdom.
The celebrations have therefore become not simply an annual remembrance of the coronation but an opportunity for subjects to renew their allegiance to their culture and institution.
Prayers For The Kabaka
At the heart of the service was a simple message — thanksgiving for the Kabaka and prayers for his health, wellbeing and continued reign.
The gathering at Watoto Church gave worshippers an opportunity to celebrate the man at the centre of Buganda’s modern history while reflecting on the responsibilities that come with preserving an institution that has survived political upheavals and social change.
As the 33rd coronation anniversary celebrations continue, Buganda’s message remains clear: the Kabaka’s reign is not only a symbol of the past but also a bridge to the future.
For the subjects gathered in Bweyogerere, giving thanks for 33 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s reign was therefore both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of their commitment to Buganda’s culture, unity and future.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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