By Eddie Ssejjoba

KABAKA Ronald Mutebi has given Omukama Oyo Nyimba a chair for his birthday. Oyo turned 18 on April 16, taking over the administration of the kingdom from the regents who helped him since he was crowned at the age of three, after the death of his father, Patrick Olimi Kaboyo II, in 1995.

The Kabaka’s delegation, led by his elder son, Junju Kiweewa, and the Secretary of the Buganda clan leaders, Nakirembeka Waliggo, delivered the gift to the Omukama on Sunday at his palace at Munyonyo, a Kampala surburb.

Others in the delegation were the minister for cabinet affairs and protocol, Kabuuza Mukasa, his assistant, Samalie Mwanje, and Nakiwala Kiyingi.

Oyo said he was grateful for the love shown by the Buganda kingdom and thanked the Kabaka for his continued support. He pledged to keep the cordial relationship.

Delivering the Kabaka’s message, Waliggo pledged Buganda’s commitment to work with Toro to develop the two kingdoms and Uganda.

“The Kabaka congratulates you on making 18 years and prays to God to give you long life and reign like your ancestors,” he said.

Toro’s foreign minister, Phillip Winyi, thanked Buganda for keeping the good relationship between the two kingdoms which he said started with Oyo’s forefathers.

“We look forward to unity, continued support, friendship and co-operation from the Kabaka, the royal family and the entire kingdom, especially during the trying times we are both experiencing,” he said.

Winyi added that despite the challenges, kingdoms needed to ensure food security, protect their culture and create wealth for their people.