news 13 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Buganda Celebrates Kabaka Mutebi's 71st Birthday with Unity and Governance Appeals
Hundreds gathered at St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Kampala to mark Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II's 71st birthday, where leaders emphasized unity, good governance, and human rights amid concerns over abuses and land grabbing. Religious figures and officials called for leadership reforms while praising the king's contributions to peace and development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/buganda-marks-kabaka-mutebi-s-71st-birthday-amid-calls-for-leadership-reform-5422278
Hundreds of faithful, dignitaries, and cultural leaders convened at St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Namungoona, Kampala, for the 71st birthday celebrations of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. Arrivals began at dawn under heavy security, with the event swelling as key figures took their places.
Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda and Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga arrived around 10:45am, welcomed by Orthodox Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi for a cathedral tour. Traditional gifts were presented to the Kabaka by the Orthodox community.
Prayers kicked off the festivities, led by Archbishop Muzeeyi and Bishop Silvester Kisitu. In his sermon, Bishop Kisitu praised the Buganda Kingdom’s role in nurturing the Orthodox faith, crediting historical figures and land donations in Namungoona and Lubya. He highlighted the Kabaka’s achievements in unity, health improvements, and socio-economic progress.
Archbishop Muzeeyi celebrated Buganda’s tradition of religious tolerance, rooted in Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II’s era. Yet, he voiced alarms over human rights violations like arrests, torture, and land grabbing, urging security forces to protect citizens’ dignity.
Katikkiro Mayiga stressed unity, strong leadership, and health as Buganda’s foundational pillars, comparing the kingdom to a resilient three-stone hearth sustained for over 900 years. He touted the recent Kabaka Birthday Run’s efforts toward eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Kalangala Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli pressed religious leaders to address governance flaws, including political detentions and judicial disparities, insisting freedoms must not fade.
State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo, standing in for President Museveni, lauded the Kabaka’s stewardship and handed over Shs20 million from the government, suggesting political matters be discussed separately.
The event wrapped with Nnaabagereka-led cake cutting and a luncheon hosted by the royal family, including Nalinya Kagere.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)