Kabaka wishes Ugandans a merry Xmas

By Henry Mukasa

The Kabaka has wished Ugandans a merry Christmas but expressed concern that this year's festive period comes at a time when many citizens are wallowing in poverty and unemployment is very high.

"Our country still faces the challenge of abject poverty, joblessness especially among the youth and killer diseases, some without a cure," Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II said in his Christmas and New Year message.

"I urge you to take voluntary tests for HIV/AIDS and step up measures to avoid contracting the virus," the Kabaka added.

The monarch pointed out that as 2012 ends, we look back with satisfaction at the milestones achieved and glance over with sadness about the miserable events and incidents.

The Kabaka listed the death of prominent citizens and opinion leaders, as such sad moments and the completion of Muganzirwazza Plaza as an achievement for the kingdom.

During the year senior citizens like; educationist Prof. Senteza Kajubi and national anthem composer Prof. George Kakoma passed on.  "We pray God grants them eternal rest."

In October, the Kabaka commissioned the multibillion kingdom commercial plaza in Katwe, a Kampala suburb, as the kingdom unveiled plans to invest more in real estate to boost royal revenue and further sustain the kingdom.

The expansive plaza was named after Nakazzi Muganzirwazza, the Namasole (queen mother) of the late king Muteesa I.
 "We hope the accomplishment of the modern and magnificent Muganzirwazza plaza project, located centrally in the city and at the gateway into the capital city, will boost our treasury with revenue," the Kabaka noted.

"I believe with the same resolve we shall refurbish and complete Bulange Plaza in 2013," he added.

The Kabaka expressed gratitude to his subjects who turned up in masses in all counties he visited and the happiness with which the royal entourage was greeted.  "We are grateful," he said.

He implored whoever is employed or engaged in an income generating activity to work extra harder, with commitment --- and parents to educate their children and impart cultural norms on them so that they are useful citizens.

"I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy and developmental new year," the Monarch stated, in a statement he personally signed.