Ssangalyambogo graduates, told to embrace world with open heart

Buganda Kingdom princess Katrina Sarah Nachwa Nabaloga Ssangalyambogo has been called upon to embrace the world with an open heart and mind.

The call by University of Nottingham president and vice-chancellor Prof. Shearer West CBE follows Ssangalyambogo's graduation with a bachelor of science with honours in management from Nottingham University Business School, UK.

Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda (Second right) with the princess Katrina Sarah Nachwa Nabaloga Ssangalyambogo during the graduation.

The award ceremony on Monday, July 24, 2023, was at the David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham Park, UK.

Obuntubulamu is our way of life

Her mother, Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, said: "The true measure of success is our ability to uplift others, to bring hope, and to be a source of inspiration". She, therefore, appealed to Ssangalyambogo to use her acquired qualification to have a positive impact on the lives of others: "Obuntubulamu is our way of life".

Princess Katrina Sarah Nachwa Nabaloga Ssangalyambogo

This was at the graduation pre-dinner cocktail held at Corinthia, The courtroom Whitehall in London, to celebrate Ssangalyambogo's academic achievement. The occasion was graced by relatives and friends who impacted Ssangalyambogo's life since childhood.

A special present from her father, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was delivered by Ssangalyambogo's elder sister, Nalinya (princess) Victoria Nkinzi

The Monday graduation was attended by a delegation led by Nnaabagereka, Prince Crispin JJunju Kiweewa, Princesses Victoria Nkinzi, Jade Nakato, and Jasmine Babirye. Others present were Naava Kendra Nanziri, Catherine Doreen Bwete, Juliet Nakuya and the Venerable Dr Prince Daniel Kajumba, Kabaka's representative in the UK and Ireland Ssalongo Geoffrey Kibuuka and his deputy, the Rev. Enock Kiyaga Mayanja, Omukungu GW Kalanzi, Omutaka Nkalubo Richard (Musu) and protocol officer Edgar Kavuma. Dana Inģabire captured the moments in pictures at the event.

Gemma Morgan-Jones, the head of corporate events, organised the VIP reception for the Nnaabagereka, her delegation, and other hosts representing the University of Nottingham including Prof. Dr. Sarah Turner, Prof. Dr. Natalie Moore, and Prof. Frederique Bouilheres.

Nottingham University also organised a private royal reception at the Brailsford Suite of Orchard Hotel for Nnabagereka and her delegation.

Nnabagereka filled with pride

Nnaabagereka, who said she was filled with pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment for Ssangalyambogo's academic success, thanked God for grace and mercy, which enabled the princess to overcome all the obstacles and challenges that could have come her way. 

Princess Katrina Graduation

Nnaabagereka also thanked the people who had been in Ssangalyambogo's life since she started school, namely her auntie Cate Bwete, the Kabuyes in Nairobi, aunties Sarah Kiyingi, Barbara Mulwana-Kulubya, Maria Kiwanuka and many others loving and caring about Ssangalyambogo as their own. Others were Ssanga’s Ssenga Nalinya Elizabeth Nakabiri, Sylvia Kibaya, Ven. Dan Kajumba and his lead man Edgar Kavuma, Omukungu Rev. Enock Kiyaga, and others.

She thanked Ssangalyambogo for being humble and respectful to all. Ssangalyambogo started school at Kampala Junior Academy, Kabira International School of Uganda, which is now called Kampala International School, from where she moved to Peponi School in Nairobi to attend her high school and, thereafter, Nottingham University for the last four years.

According to Naginda, when Ssangalyambogo moved to the UK, it was for her independence, but it caused anxiety for her parents.

Ssangalyambogo is an excellent swimmer and because of this, she has won numerous medals at national and regional championships.