Buganda kingdom to mark 1966 attack on Lubiri

By Eddie Ssejjoba

 Buganda kingdom is to launch the annual commemoration of the attack on Lubiri in 1966 that led to the exile of the late Sir Edward Mutesa II who later died in London.

The Mengo second deputy Katikkiro and minister of heritage, royal tombs and tourism, Ssekimpi Ssemambo said May 24 would be officially marked every year in Buganda as a significant day that marked the beginning of the kingdom’s predicaments. 

Ssemambo however said Buganda will not mourn on this day, adding that the Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II had stopped any grieving for the fallen kings.

The Bazzukuluba Buganda, a group of monarch diehards have been marking this day by mourning with a procession from Lubiri to Kasubi Tombs where the king was buried. But Mengo directed them to stop their independent activities.

Ssemambo said the kingdom would also recognize the Kabaka royal sentries who managed to help Mutesa II jump over a perimeter wall during the attack and he eventually sought help from Rubaga Church.

He was later driven to Ssembabule from where he fled to Burundi and then London.

A monument with inscriptions of the royal guards’ names has been planned to be built at the exact spot where the former king jumped over.