national 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Unity and Peace Calls Lead Kabaka Mutebi's 71st Birthday Prayers at Orthodox Cathedral
Hundreds gathered at St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Namungoona for Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II's 71st birthday, featuring prayers, cultural rites, and strong appeals for national unity and good governance. Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga emphasized collaboration across religious, ethnic, and political lines to drive progress. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/calls-for-unity-peace-dominate-kabaka-s-71st-birthday-prayers-5422804
Hundreds of faithful, dignitaries, and security forces assembled early at St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Namungoona for the 71st birthday celebrations of His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, born on April 13, 1955, and enthroned as Buganda’s 36th Kabaka in 1993.
The event kicked off around 10:45am with the arrival of Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga alongside Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, greeted by Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi. Prayers followed, led by the Archbishop and Bishop Silvester Kisitu, who praised Buganda’s support for the Orthodox Church, including land donations for churches in Namungoona and Lubya.
Bishop Kisitu highlighted the Kabaka’s achievements in promoting peace, unity, health improvements, and economic growth. Archbishop Muzeeyi commended the royal family’s tolerance for diverse faiths but raised alarms over rising land disputes, arbitrary arrests, and torture, urging authorities to ensure justice.
Katikkiro Mayiga stressed leadership, health, and unity as Buganda’s enduring pillars, comparing the kingdom to a tripod pot upheld by the Kabaka, officials, and clans. He spotlighted the Kabaka Birthday Run’s role in combating HIV/Aids and called on Ugandans to prioritize shared identity over religious, ethnic, or political divides.
Kalangala MP Hellen Nakimuli pressed religious leaders to address governance boldly, citing unequal justice and prolonged detentions of political prisoners. State Minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, representing President Museveni, delivered Shs20 million and lauded the Kabaka’s contributions, while advising against politicizing the cultural event.
The festivities wrapped up with Nnaabagereka cutting the cake, joined by royal family members including Nalinya Kagere.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)