Katikkiro Mayiga gets instruments of power

By Moses Mulondo & Jeff Lule

MENGO, Kampala - Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Wednesday gave the new Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga the royal mace (Ddamula) as a symbol of authority.

Amidst ululations from hundreds of his subjects who turned at Mengo, the Kabaka arrived at the palace at about 11am local time.

He first visited the fire place outside the main gate of the palace. Mayiga also arrived shortly and waited in a tent next to the entrance.

Katikkiro Mayiga holds the mace, a symbol of authority. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

Minutes later, the Kabaka returned at the main gate with the Ddamula and called, “Charles Peter Mayiga.”

The new Katikkiro immediately rushed towards the Kabaka and picked the Ddamula, pledging his allegiance to the Kabaka and promising to execute the responsibilities bestowed upon him.

Dressed in a blue garb with silver strips, Mayiga tightly held the mace and quickly walked away amidst tight security provided by muscular body guards from his Mutima clan to ensure that no-one grabs it from him, as is ritual, until he successfully entered Butikkiro house which is a few meters across the road.

Kabaka Mutebi II flanked by Nabagereka and other kingdom officials at the function. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

At this stage, there was a stampede as people struggled to capture a glimpse of what was transpiring.  Some climbed trees to secure an uninterrupted view.

The historic developments were unfolding as high ranking dignitaries including Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, former vice president Prof. Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, former Katikkiros Dan Muliika, Joash Mayanja Nkangi, Mengo ministers, several MPs and others were followed the events keenly.

After successfully entering Butikkiro, Mayiga gave a meal to his clan-mates, as is norm, thanking them for their support towards him before later coming out to speak to the gathering.

The new Katikkiro receives the mace from a grinning Kabaka Mutebi. PHOTO/Eddie Ssejjoba

“I have won the battle. I have tightly held Ddamula. It is a noble function in which the Kabaka has officially given me authority to lead Buganda on his behalf.

"I therefore ask you to always listen to and obey what I will be telling you to do,” he said amid applause as some shouted, “You are the Katikkiro we have always wanted.