Buganda unveils programme for Kabaka's 33rd coronation anniversary
Launching the celebrations at Bulange, Mengo on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, announced that this year's anniversary will be celebrated under the theme, "Fortitude as We Preserve Our Heritage."
Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga speaking during the launch of the celebrations at Bulange, Mengo on Thursday, July 16, 2026 ( Photos by Dickson Kulumba)
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The Buganda Kingdom has unveiled an extensive programme of activities to celebrate the 33rd coronation anniversary of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, with a rallying call to the kingdom's subjects to safeguard their cultural heritage with courage and determination.
Launching the celebrations at Bulange, Mengo on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, announced that this year's anniversary will be celebrated under the theme, "Fortitude as We Preserve Our Heritage."
Mayiga said the theme challenges Baganda to remain steadfast in protecting the kingdom's cultural identity and values for generations to come.
"We need courage in everything we do," Mayiga said. "To be a good Christian, you must have courage. To be a good leader, you must have courage. When we have fortitude as we preserve our heritage, we protect it today and ensure future generations find it intact and relevant to their lives."
The main thanksgiving service will be held on July 31 at Watoto Church, Bweyogerere, in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will be led by Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, the Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries in Uganda.
Mayiga explained that the Kabaka deliberately rotates the annual thanksgiving service among different places of worship as a demonstration of religious inclusiveness.
"The Kabaka does not choose religion for his people; they choose for themselves," he said. "His Majesty always instructs us to embrace everyone, and this year he directed that we hold the thanksgiving service at Watoto Church. We are grateful to the church leadership for welcoming us."
He commended Pastor Rwotlonyo and his team for their cooperation and commitment in preparing for the celebrations.
The organising committee, chaired by the Minister for Local Government, Kabaka's Royal Tours and Foreign Affairs, Joseph Kawuki, with Youth Minister Robert Sserwanga as his deputy, was constituted on June 12.
He also unveiled a packed programme of activities designed to celebrate Buganda's culture, promote community service, empower young people and strengthen social development across the kingdom.
Activities
The celebrations will begin with a Coronation Badminton Tournament from July 17 to 19.
On July 19, the kingdom's youth will participate in the Yoyoota Ggombolola initiative at Maanyi Sub-County headquarters in Busujju County, Mityana District. The programme focuses on renovating and beautifying sub-county headquarters through voluntary community service.
"We are training young people to serve their communities without expecting payment," Mayiga said. "That spirit of volunteerism builds responsible citizens."
On July 23, the kingdom will hand over digital tablets to sub-county chiefs to improve service delivery and later break ground for the construction of Buddu Stadium at the Buddu County headquarters in Masaka City.
On July 24, Buganda will conduct the Bulungibwansi community clean-up campaign under the leadership of Hajjat Mariam Mayanja to promote hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
Also on July 25, the kingdom will hold the Ekyoto (Fireplace) Initiative in Kasangati, where young people will receive mentorship on Buganda's history, clan systems, family values, craftsmanship and other aspects of the kingdom's cultural heritage.
On July 27, Buganda will break ground for the construction of a multi-storey complex at Muteesa I Royal University's Kakeeka Campus in Mengo. Later that day, Dr Ronald Mulondo, the Ssaza Chief of Bulemeezi County, will deliver the annual Coronation Memorial Lecture. The Princess Royal (Nnaalinya Lubuga), Agnes Nabaloga, the Kabaka's sister, will officiate as chief guest at both events.
The kingdom will also officially launch the standard rendition of the Buganda anthem, Ekitiibwa Kya Buganda, during a ceremony at Bulange Gardens on July 29.
On July 30, subjects and well-wishers from across Uganda will gather at Mengo Palace to present Amakula—traditional royal gifts—to the Kabaka in honour of his 33 years on the throne.
Mayiga said the day will also feature an exhibition at the Bumu Art Gallery highlighting the cultural significance and craftsmanship of bark cloth (Olubugo). In addition, the kingdom will receive a mobile laboratory donated by the Indo-African Charitable Organisation and Mama Kits from the National Drug Authority.
The celebrations will culminate on July 31 with the coronation thanksgiving service at Watoto Church, Bweyogerere.
Addressing the launch, Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo thanked Kabaka Mutebi for entrusting the Evangelical Pentecostal community with hosting this year's thanksgiving service.
"We are honoured by the confidence the Kabaka has placed in us," Rwotlonyo said.
"Together with the organising committee, we are working tirelessly to ensure this becomes a thanksgiving service that glorifies God, honours the Kabaka and celebrates the people of Buganda."
He revealed that Watoto Church had appointed Dr Jeff Ssebuyira to chair its internal organising committee and pledged that the church was fully prepared to deliver a memorable celebration.