The 33rd anniversary celebrations marking the coronation of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will this year be held at Watoto Church, the Buganda Kingdom has announced.
The announcement was made by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, during a ceremony at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, on Friday. He also unveiled an eight-member organising committee tasked with spearheading preparations for the annual celebrations.
Mayiga said the decision to host the event at Watoto Church follows the Kingdom’s recent practice of rotating the commemoration among different places of worship, reflecting the Kabaka’s role as a leader of all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The Kingdom marked the anniversary at Namirembe Cathedral in 2024 and at Kibuli Mosque in 2025. This year’s choice of Watoto Church continues the pattern of moving between Christian denominations and Muslim institutions.
“For the past three to four years, we have been commemorating the coronation anniversary in different places of worship,” Mayiga said. “This year, the celebrations will be held at Watoto Church following consultations between the organising committee and the church leadership.”
He explained that the arrangement reflects the Kabaka’s role as a leader of all his subjects, regardless of their faith or religious affiliation. Holding the celebrations in different places of worship provides an opportunity for people from diverse religious backgrounds to participate in commemorating the Kabaka’s coronation.
The eight-member committee will be chaired by Joseph Kawuki, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs. Robert Sserwanga, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts, will serve as vice chairperson.
Other members include Noah Kiyimba (Minister for Lukiiko, Information, Cabinet Affairs and Protocol); Israel Kazibwe Kitooke (Minister of Information, Mobilization and Kingdom Spokesperson); Kyaddondo County Chief Hajji Ahmed Magandaazi Matovu; Josephine Nantege; David Ntege; and Capt. Christopher Lutwama.
Mayiga said the committee had been given the mandate to further expand its membership by co-opting additional individuals to support the organisation of the celebrations.
While unveiling the committee, Mayiga cited the significance of the coronation anniversary to the Buganda Kingdom, noting that it serves as a moment to reflect on the reign of the Kabaka and the progress achieved during his leadership.
“We commemorate the coronation because it marks the reign of the Kabaka who leads Buganda,” he said. “Over the last 33 years, we have witnessed many developments, most of them successes.”
He added: “Since the Kabaka’s coronation, many issues affecting the people of Buganda have gained greater recognition, while significant work has also been undertaken in areas such as health, education and social welfare.”
Mayiga also unveiled the theme for this year’s celebrations: “Let Us Be Courageous in Preserving Our Culture.”
He said the theme draws inspiration from Kabaka Mutebi’s determination and courage in restoring the Buganda Kingdom after years of abolition, urging people to emulate that spirit of resilience and commitment in their respective responsibilities.
Mayiga called upon the public to demonstrate courage and integrity in their work and to remain steadfast in protecting what rightfully belongs to them.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed committee, chairperson Joseph Kawuki pledged the members’ commitment to delivering a successful celebration and thanked the Katikkiro for entrusting them with the responsibility.
“We shall carry out this assignment with courage and dedication to ensure that we successfully accomplish the task before us,” he said.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was crowned on 31st July 1993, ascending the throne of his forefathers after the restoration of the monarchy, which had been abolished by the government of Milton Obote in 1967.
His reign has seen the Buganda Kingdom re-establish itself as a significant cultural and political force within Uganda, while navigating complex relationships with central government. The coronation anniversary has become an important date in the kingdom’s calendar, drawing thousands of subjects and well-wishers each year.
This year’s celebrations at Watoto Church will be watched closely, both for their religious symbolism and for what they signal about the kingdom’s continued efforts to unite its subjects across faith lines.
