Sir Edward Fredrick Luwangula Mutesa II

 

 

On Thursday, November 19, 1942, Mutesa turned 18 and his birthday was celebrated across the kingdom. It was especially remarkable because he had now come of age to govern his people after ruling through regency from the age of 15.

 

He was now set to go through the full coronation rituals that were performed the following day.

The Kabaka set off from Twekobe at 9:00am and headed for Buddo. It took him one hour to reach Buddo Hill.

 

At the foot of the hill was erected a triumphant arch decorated with flowers and a big banner reading “Tukusanyukidde nyo Ssaabasajja” (we are very happy to see you Ssaabasajja).

 

All the way up the hill were traditional decorations of banana trees and palms. 

 

 At the junction where Kisozi meets Buddo, the Kabaka, together with his sister, the Lubuga, Katikiro, Omulamuzi, Omuwanika and Kasujju Lubinga encountered the fierce-looking Semanobe, the hill’s guardian.

 

He was armed with shoots of elephant grass as a spear and a banana leaf as a shield. A symbolic fight (olutalo lw’ebirumbirumbi) ensued. 

 

Semanobe resisted the Kabaka’s advance to the coronation site at Nnagalabi at the top of the hill.

 

The Kabaka, using reeds as his weapon, fought his way and won the sham fight.

 

The vanquished Semanobe had no option but to remove the rope blocking the road to let the victorious Kabaka and his entourage through. 

 

 Instead of heading directly to the coronation site, the Kabaka first went to Kings College Budo, his old school that was unusually calm and quiet — its riotous scholars having been earlier dismissed by headmaster Dennis Herbert (for being generally opposed to British domination and replacing the school’s portrait of King George VI with that of the Kabaka of Buganda).

 

Here, the governor and Lady Dundas and the Resident awaited him at the main gate. He was immediately led to the college chapel where, once again, he encountered Bishop Stuart gracefully waiting at the entrance. 

 

He entered the chapel and stayed there in private prayer for a few minutes. After praying, and with the governor in tow, he left for the kigango erected on Buganda’s traditional coronation spot.

 

The kigango was a reed structure of superb Kiganda workmanship. It is at this spot that the investiture was to happen. Its front, just above the king’s throne, bore a banner with the words: “Ai Katonda Kuma Kabaka” (God protect the Kabaka).

 

 The seating arrangement was planned as follows. The governor, government officials, Europeans and Asians occupied seats on the right hand side of the Kabaka. The members of the Buganda royal family, the chiefs, and other Baganda officials sat on the Kabaka’s left hand side. Thousands of other people either sat or stood beyond the kigango.

 

The king’s throne was placed on a raised dais (ekiwu) covered with bark cloth on which was spread the traditional leopard skin. Before the Kabaka reached the scene, two Baganda officials (abatuuza) zealously dusted and re-dusted the dais and the throne. 

 

trueThe Kabaka and the governor’s arrival at the kigango was heralded by a soft beating of the drum whereupon every one rose and stood to attention as the anthem was played.

 

All present chanted Kabaka awangale (long live the Kabaka) — I guess with a few obvious exceptions. 

 

Among the guests were Bishop Michaud, Bishop Kiwanuka, Sir Albert Cook and Mrs.

 

Stuart, Nalinya of Kasubi and other senior princesses. As is kiganda custom, the princes (save the princes from Kibuli) and the Kamuswaga were not allowed to attend the function.

 

The Kabaka mounted the dais and faced his people. As he stood, the katikkiro, Omulamuzi, Omuwanika, Mugema (Joswa Kamulegeya) and Kasujju Lubinga (Musa Katende) each in turn loudly proclaimed: Sirs, I here present unto you the Kabaka Edward Mutesa, the undoubted Kabaka of this country of Buganda.

 

The proclamations were greeted with chants of ‘God save Kabaka Mutesa’ whereupon bugles, drums and unabated ululations were sounded to a fever pitch.  These were only interrupted, and eventually stopped, by the sound of the chapel’s bell, alerting the Kabaka and the governor that it was time for more prayers. 

 

Accordingly, the Kabaka and the people who met him at his arrival at Buddo, re-entered the chapel for a full service. The half-hour service was opened with the singing of Psalm 132 in Luganda and the words: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place?

 

He that hath clean hands and a pure heart. Who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully” by the chapels sub-dean. There followed thanksgiving prayers and a shortened form of communion service ending at 11:00am. 

 

Thereafter, the governor departed and, to a heavy drumbeat and loud cheer, the Kabaka returned to the kigango, where events took on renewed gusto and a more truly African flair.  

 

 With everyone seated, the Kabaka stood at the dais. He was then approached by the katikkiro and the ministers. He then took another oath  — this time administered by the katikkiro  — saying: “I Edward Mutesa, Kabaka of Buganda, do hereby swear that I will well and truly govern the Kingdom of Buganda in accordance with the laws and customs heretofore established and that I will conform to the laws and regulations instituted for the Government of Uganda by His Majesty’s Government, and that I will co-operate loyally with His Majesty’s Government in the organisation and administration of the Kingdom of Buganda. And that I will administer justice in accordance with the customs and usages of my country. So help me God.”

 

 With the oath out of the way, the Kabaka stood beside the Namulondo and was showered with bark cloth and presented with two spears as symbols of authority and aggression by the katikkiro; a shield (engabo), as a symbol of the duty to defend the people, by the Ssaza chief  Mukwenda; a short sword (empima), as a symbol of justice, by Kasujju Lubinga (Musa Katende) and a handful of twigs (enjulu), depicting a long life and reign, by his erstwhile nemesis Semanobe. 

 

 The abundant cultural presentations were followed by the investiture with a royal robe — specially designed in Cairo, Egypt by the royal embroider — handed to Mugema (Omw. J Kamulegeya) by the Omuwanika.

 

Mugema helped the Kabaka to remove the bark cloth and  black robe he was wearing and to invest him with the bright red, blue and gold royal robe saying: “As you are now clothed in this royal robe, may the Lord your God endow you with knowledge and a wisdom and power from on high”.

 

In The Desecration of My Kingdom, Mutesa described the robe as “splendidly golden, if a little heavy”.

 

According to the Matalisi newspaper of November 27, 1942, once Sabasajja was all robed up, he looked majestic in every way and from that point the Baganda believed they had gotten an undisputable king. Matalisi reported that the garment cost over sh10,000.

 

Not to be outdone by the traditionalists, the bishop took centre stage and reminded the Kabaka of the solemn oaths which he had made, his great responsibilities as a Christian king, and his duties both to his country and to his Britannic majesty’s government.

 

He asked the Kabaka whether he was prepared to ratify the oaths he had already taken, to which the Kabaka, Bible in hand, replied: “All the oaths and promises already made I do now solemnly reaffirm. So help me God”. With this, the crowning moment arrived.

 

 With the Kabaka on the throne and everyone else aloft, Bishop Stuart was handed the cushioned crown by the katikkiro, omuwanika, omulamuzi and Prince Suuna.

 

He then gently squeezed it onto the Kabaka’s head saying: “O God the crown of the faithful, bless we beseech thee, and sanctify this thy servant Edward our Kabaka; and as thou dost this day set a circlet of pure gold upon his head, so enrich his heart with thine abundant grace and crown him with all princely virtues, through the King eternal Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen”. 

 

In The Desecration of My Kingdom, Mutesa says: “Although it had been specially made for me, the crown was a little too small. I dread to think what effect it would have had on the Baganda if it had fallen”. It must be said that the crown in issue was specially made in London by Garrard & Co Ltd crown jewellers on the instructions of the Kabaka’s government.

 

It was encrusted with sapphires, opals and other precious stones and was surmounted by a plume of white ostrich feathers. With the help of the colonial office, it had to be rushed out of London with the fast diplomatic bag to arrive in time for the coronation.

 

The only trouble was that when it reached the colonial office in London, it came in a most elaborate package weighing 30lbs (13.6kg)! the jeweller was asked to repack it, presumably to fit the diplomatic bag, whereupon its weight was reduced to 10lbs (4.54kg). This way, the crown made it in time for the occasion.

 

Once the precious crown was in its place, Omutaka Nankere presented a ring to the bishop, who then placed it on the fourth finger of the Kabaka’s right hand saying: “I place this ring on you as a token of the lasting bond between yourself and your people”.

 

At this point, the three ministers and the ssaza chiefs simultaneously placed on their own heads their official headgear. As if on cue, the drums and other instruments were blasted once again. 

 

 “High on a red hill above the sunburned plains of equatorial Africa, in the hereditary palace surrounded by flame trees, Mutesa II, 35th directly descended Kabaka (ruler) of Buganda, one of the three provinces, last week ascended the old stool which serves as throne for the kingdom.

 

Promptly on his 18th birthday, Mutesa II put on his eight-inch-high gold crown, newly rushed from London encrusted with sapphires, fire opals and carbuncle garnets fronted with the tall, traditional white ostrich plume. This made him ruler, under a British “agreement for non-interference”, of a cotton–growing territory roughly the size of Ireland. 

 

 His 877,000 Negro subjects speak a language called Luganda and will refer to him in properly deferential terms. They will not say he sleeps but that he is “just resting”. For them, he will not eat but will be “among the baskets”.

 

 Mutesa was born in British reformer Sir Albert Cook’s house overlooking Lake Victoria. Three years ago, Mutesa’s father Sir. Daudi Chwa, died of a chronic hangover. Until Mutesa came of age last week, Buganda was run by regency including aged Prime Minister Martin Luther. Mutesa meanwhile played football, rode his bicycle and studied English at Kings College Budo.”

 

The blasting stopped once the Kabaka’s hymn (179) was sang. As the song ended, the Kabaka knelt down to be blessed. The bishop prayed for him to be strong and courageous and to observe the commandments of God and walk in his holy ways. Another hymn (147) Fight the Good Fight was sang ending this part of the ceremony. 

 

 The Kabaka was once again led into the chapel where, together with the ministers and his family, received Holy Communion.

 

As soon as this was done, he returned to the kigango, where he was greeted with even more enthusiasm. Amidst the loud cheers and swaddled in a heavy, warm shiny red robe and a tightly fitting crown, he was swiftly hoisted shoulder high and taken around the arena by Omutaka (Daudi) Kayira to a deafening cheer from the crowd.

 

The Lubuga was similarly carried by Omutaka (Yafesi) Sekayiba. The Kabaka later entertained a few invited guests in the school’s dining hall. At about 2:00pm, he briefly returned to the kigango under the shelter of a huge royal umbrella, before he retired to the Lubiri with very many happy people escorting him all the way.

 

The party continued with blaring band music and bonfires lit all around his palace. These fires were also lit at all ssaza and ggombolola headquarters to celebrate the occasion. Commenting on the day’s events, Mutesa writes in The Desecration of My Kingdom: “The combination of traditional and Christian ceremony made the day a long and tiring one”. Little wonder.

 

Saturday November 21, 1942 – Kabaka’s first Official levee in the Lukiko at Mengo: 

With the investiture ceremonies done, the 18-year-old monarch immediately set down to other serious kingdom business. The first was to officially appear in the Lukkiko (Buganda’s parliament) where he arrived at 10:00am.

 

The Resident and the three ministers received him. He inspected the guard of honour before entering the Lukikko hall. As he mounted the throne (Namulondo), all the people respectfully greeted him by kneeling down and holding their hands together as if in prayer — again there must have been some exceptions here.

 

Once he was comfortable on the throne, the Resident introduced to him the British ministers and heads of departments present. The katikkiro was next in introducing his officials and other guests. The Kabaka then spoke. He thanked the governor, the Resident, the regents, the chiefs and everyone for their work and role before and during the coronation activities.

 

He talked on education (particularly that of girls and development of girls schools), administration and health (focusing on venereal diseases and sleeping sickness). On Buganda’s relations with the British government, and the war situation in particular, he said:

 

 “My people are still needed to go and serve in the war in the different services, and also to cultivate all kinds of crops. I want my people to make monetary contributions for the purpose of helping to purchase armaments and also towards the amenities that are needed for our fighting forces. 

 

We must all get it clearly understood that this war is not a war of the English only. We are all equally involved in the struggle; because should the enemy prevail over England, we shall lose all the privileges that we are enjoying inside the British Empire. 

 

In what forms we may be rendering our war services, we must not slacken or fall back until the war comes to an end. Without all of us pulling together, we cannot attain victory. For that reason, I want to impress it upon my chiefs that they must spare no effort in giving encouragement to my people in all these things.”

 

 After his speech, he invested the three ministers with the decoration of  the shield and spears and was presented with an ivory artifact by Mr. Hassan Kassim Lakha of the Ismailia council. With that, he took leave of the resident and exited the hall through the back door.

 

The three ministers followed. Later, he and his entourage posed for photographs on the veranda of the hall and treated his people to lunch. To crown the day’s events, a football match was played at Nakivubo.

 

The Kabaka attended a thanksgiving service at Namirembe. Similar services were held in all churches in Buganda.

 

 It must be said that the Kabaka’s coming of age and coronation received some interesting coverage in the international press, as seen in the examples illustrated. Such was the exciting and promising beginning of Mutesa’s reign. Sadly, and as we all know, things fell apart so soon thereafter.

 

The 1945-49 Bataka riots in Buganda — that saw to the resignation, deportation and suspicious death of katikkiro Wamala and the re-appointment of Martin L. Nsibirwa as katikkiro, quickly followed by his brutal assassination at Namirembe Cathedral — all seem to have ominously set a chaotic scene for Mutesa’s 27-year reign. 

 

By the time Sir Charles Dundas died in 1956, and especially after Uganda’s independence in 1962, the situation had worsened. And, far from Bishop Stuart’s many prayers or Governor Dundas’s repeated reassurances, Mutesa’s years at Buganda’s helm were largely turbulent with little or no love-cum-protection from the governor or successors. And his reign neither ushered in “unexcelled prosperity” nor “content” to the people of Buganda that Dundas envisaged. 

 

Instead, it ushered in an era most remembered for Governor Andrew Cohen’s notorious, harsh and illegal banishment of Mutesa from Buganda in 1953; the further diminution of his position and powers in the 1955 Namirembe Agreement; the hapless alliance between Kabaka Yekka (KY) Party and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC); the lost counties saga; the heinous attack of his palace by Gen. Idi Amin, on Dr. Obote’s orders in 1966, his narrow escape and perilous journey to England via Bujumbura; his wretched exile and tragic and unexplained death in a two-bedroom council flat in Bermondsey South of London — where he was left for the hyenas by the British establishment — for the fear to annoy their new ally in Dr. Obote.

 

It is clear that once Mutesa was no longer useful in advancing British interests, his “friends and advisers” in the establishment abandoned him (and Buganda) and then vanished into thin air.

 

Buganda learnt the hard way that British colonialism was neither about friendship nor protection of Africans, but that it stood for nothing but domination and exploitation of colonised peoples. This, in spite the sacrifice and loyalty of the people of Buganda to the Great Britannic Empire, highlighted in Katikkiro Wamala’s and Mutesa’s speeches.

 

Sadly, the treachery that Buganda suffered at the hands of British colonialists was just the beginning in Buganda’s long struggle for nationalism. Because, as its history shows, this episode was quickly followed by a succession of Judas Iscariots whose machinations haunt Buganda to this day.  

 

The fundamental question is: has Buganda learnt its lesson? Or, are its people simply readying their garb, drums and banana brew for yet another dust raising party come July 31, 2013? Only time will tell.

 

 Hopefully, this account offers food for thought as well as an insight of Mutesa’s and Buganda’s thorny journey. It is worthwhile reflecting on this history as we congratulate Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and ourselves, on his 20th year on Buganda’s throne. 

 

 “The ruler of one of the most progressive peoples in East Africa, His Highness Mutesa II, Kabaka of Buganda, came of age on November 19th, his 18th birthday, and was crowned with appropriate ceremony at his capital of Mengo.

 

Lord Cranbone, secretary of state for colonies, sent his warmest congratulations through the Governor of Uganda and added: “It is my earnest hope that under his guidance, the people of Buganda, whose place is already high among the nations of tropical Africa, will continue their steady progress towards happiness and prosperity.”

 

The Glasgow Herald also carried a story along similar lines as the African world.