Thousands grace Kabaka's birthday

By Moses Mulondo

KAMPALA - The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi marked his 58th birthday in Lubiri Mengo amid ululations from the mammoth crowd that turned up on Saturday.

High-profile people ranging from religious leaders, Buganda MPs, the Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and lands minister Aidah Nantaba graced the occasion. Besigye, Beti Kamya and Ken Lukyamuzi also attended.

The Kabaka arrived at around 10:20am and inspected parades by the prisons band and choirs of various schools.

The Kabaka later gave special recognition to local artistes Mathias Walukagga for composing songs which depict the plight of Ugandans and Noerine Kaleeba for her outstanding efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The prayers for the Kabaka were headed by the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church alongside other religious groups.

The SDA national leader, Dr. John Kakembo, who was the official preacher, read 2Samuel 23:3-4, which says: “If a king rules in righteousness and fear for God, God blesses him.”

He expressed dismay over wide spread corruption, discrimination and other injustices in the Uganda society.

He also read Daniel 2 about the dream King Nebuchadnezzar got and assured the Kabaka that the witchdoctors and sorcerers cannot guide leaders, but people who serve the God of heaven.

Various business people had stalls of merchandise they were selling to the thousands of people who turned up. Various SDA choirs and school choirs entertained the Kabaka.