By Jazeerah Mirembe
BWEYOGERE.Buganda Kingdom Friday marked 33 years of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s reign .
The colourful day was crowned with a thanksgiving service at Watoto Church,Bweyogere bringing together cultural leaders, government officials, religious leaders and thousands of subjects to celebrate the monarch’s contribution to unity and development.
, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga received the Nnabagereka Sylivia Nagginda and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Museveni as the chief guest at the ceremony.
The service opened with prayers led by Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwothomio, who thanked God for the Kabaka’s reign and prayed for his continued good health.
Those in attendance included the Nnabagereka, princes and princesses, clan leaders, religious leaders from different faiths, Buganda Kingdom ministers, central government officials, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, former Katikkiros, cultural leaders, schoolchildren and thousands of the Kabaka’s subjects.
In a recorded message, Watoto Church founder Pastor Gary Skinner congratulated the Kabaka and thanked him for allowing the church to host the thanksgiving service.The Kabaka didn’t attend the ceremony as advise of doctors as he continues to recover from long illness .
“God chose Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and blessed him to lead his people with peace, justice and compassion for the vulnerable,” Skinner said.
Addressing the congregation after the service, Katikkiro Mayiga reflected on the Kabaka’s 1993 coronation at Naggalabi and thanked the government for restoring the Buganda Kingdom and returning some of its properties, while noting that discussions over the remaining assets would continue.
“The Kabaka is a Christian, but he is a king for all people,” Mayiga said.
Speaking under this year’s theme, “Be Courageous in Preserving Our Culture,” Mayiga urged Baganda to protect their cultural heritage and traditions, saying societies that preserve their identity are better positioned to achieve development.
He cited the British as an example of a society that has maintained its traditions despite modernization, encouraging Buganda to remain anchored in its cultural values.
Prime Minister Nabbanja delivered President Museveni’s message congratulating Kabaka Mutebi on 33 years on the throne and reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Buganda Kingdom.
“The government will continue engaging and strengthening its relationship with the Buganda Kingdom for the development of the country,” Museveni said in his message.
The President also credited the restoration of traditional kingdoms and freedom of worship with promoting peace, unity and national development. He commended the Kabaka for initiatives in health, education and community development that complement government programmes, including the Parish Development Model.
President Museveni contributed Shs 40 million towards the coronation anniversary celebrations through Prime Minister Nabbanja, while Watoto Church donated Shs 38 million to Kkamazzi Hospital to support healthcare services for island communities.
The celebrations concluded with Nalinnya Lubuga Agnes Nabaloga cutting the anniversary cake, which was shared among guests and worshippers.