Ugandans in Los Angeles celebrate Kabaka’s 33rd coronation, launch Amatikkira Magazine
The celebrations were held at the Nob Hill Banquet Centre in Los Angeles and were attended by community leaders, cultural groups and representatives of different Ugandan communities.
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. (File photo)
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Ugandans living in Los Angeles, United States, have celebrated the 33rd coronation anniversary of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, with a colourful event that brought together members of the Ugandan and Buganda communities to celebrate culture, unity and heritage.
The celebrations were held at the Nob Hill Banquet Centre in Los Angeles and were attended by community leaders, cultural groups and representatives of different Ugandan communities.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Amb. Abbey Walusimbi, who represented the Government, described the anniversary as an affirmation of Uganda’s living cultural heritage.
“It is my distinct honour, on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs, to convey warm greetings and congratulations on this momentous occasion marking the 33rd anniversary of the Coronation of our Magulunnyondo,” Walusimbi said.
Walusimbi said President Museveni had recognised cultural leadership and traditional institutions as important pillars of national identity and stability.
He said the restoration of traditional institutions had helped preserve the cultural foundations of Buganda and other kingdoms while allowing them to operate within modern Uganda.
Walusimbi also highlighted the importance of language, culture and indigenous knowledge, including traditional herbal knowledge, saying they remain relevant to Uganda’s development.
“These are not relics of the past but living assets that strengthen identity, promote wellness and contribute to sustainable progress,” he said.
He said the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs, established in March 2020 under the Presidency, serves as a bridge between the Government and Ugandans living abroad.
Walusimbi emphasised that the office serves all Ugandans regardless of tribe, region or political affiliation.
He urged Ugandans in the diaspora to preserve their cultural identity while contributing their skills and resources to Uganda’s development.
“Be cultural ambassadors of Buganda and of every tribe of Uganda. Ensure that your children are well-versed in their languages, know their family tree, cultural norms and practices. At the same time, come home. Bring your skills, knowledge, technology and investment,” he said.
The chairman of the organising committee and Buganda Deputy Representative for Southern California, Hawaii and Arizona, Hudson Joloba, thanked guests for attending the celebrations.
“On behalf of the organising committee, it is my privilege to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for joining us on this very special occasion,” Joloba said.
He said the event brought together people from different backgrounds as one community united by their love for Buganda.
Joloba thanked Walusimbi, the chief guest, Rev. James Thomas, Owek. Fred Makubuya, representatives of the Los Angeles mayor and police department, as well as leaders of the Banyankole, Acholi and Tooro communities for attending.
He also commended members of the organising committee, who he said met four days a week for three months to prepare for the event.
Joloba said the community was also contributing to development through a well project supported by a clan-based fundraising competition.
Amatikkira Magazine launched
The celebrations also featured the launch of Volume One of Amatikkira Magazine, produced by Prince Mwanga G. Kalinaabiri.
Joloba described the publication as a record of the community’s journey and celebration of its people, as well as a legacy for future generations.
He invited Prince Kalinaabiri to officially introduce the magazine to the gathering.
Joloba concluded by thanking God for granting the Kabaka wisdom, strength, peace and good health, before wishing him a long reign.
“Long live His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II,” he said.
Kabaka Mutebi II was crowned on July 31, 1993, at Naggalabi Buddo, marking his ascension to the throne.
The 33rd coronation anniversary was celebrated under the theme, “Fortitude as We Preserve Our Heritage.”
In Uganda, the main thanksgiving service in Uganda was hosted by Watoto Church, marking what was described as a historic occasion in which an Evangelical Pentecostal church hosted the official Kingdom coronation service.