Kabaka rallies parents on child education

By Davis Buyondo in Kalangala

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Friday appealed to parents to educate their children in order to ensure sustainable development of Buganda.

Kabaka Mutebi said in a world where technology is changing rapidly, development will bypass those who do not go to school.

The Kabaka was speaking during celebrations to mark his 22nd Coronation Anniversary at Kibanga Primary School in Kalangala district.

“Education in Ssese has declined. And it’s upon parents to take your children and teachers to do what they are supposed to do diligently to promote quality education,” Kabaka said.

He explained that educating children helps not only parents, but also Buganda Kingdom, Uganda and Africa as a continent. According to the Kabaka, challenges such as HIV/AIDS prevalence, environment degradation and others can be curbed through education and leads to a country’s development.

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One of the floating makeshift tents erected to welcome Kabaka to Ssese Island

The event attracted thousands including royal family members, Mengo ministers, religious leaders, business fraternity, school children and loyalists from across Buganda region.

Also guests from different counties including Kooki were present. Kooki was represented by the former Katikiro, Ananias Ssekyanzi.

The Kabaka was accompanied by the Nabagereka, Sylvia Naginda; the Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga; the Nnaalingya, Dr. Agnes Lubega Nabaloga; and his children, Prince Junju Kiweewa, Katrina Ssangalyambogo and Princess Victoria Nkizi.

The Kabaka thanked Ssese residents for a worm welcome they accorded him during his visit.

A day before the ceremony, the Kabaka closed a two-day health retreat at Bishop Dustan Nsubuga Memorial S.S whereby more than 100 people were treated for various ailments.

Here, Dr. Ben Mukwaya, the Mengo Health Minister, said 285 people tested for HIV and 11 were found positive which translates to 5% prevalence. A total of 22 pregnant mothers received Mama Kits from the Kabaka who also immunized children.

At the coronation ceremony on Friday, Mayiga appealed to all people to work hand in hand with Buganda due to the kingdom’s strong values. “Those who understand the power of the Kabaka have to work with us,” he said.

Mayiga further thanked all Baganda for the ‘Ettoofaali’ (fundraising) contribution of sh100m that was collected during his tour recently.

Several floating makeshift tents welcoming Kabaka to Ssese were erected and Mayiga considered it the first of its kind to make the event colourful.


An elder playing a xylophone locally known as Amadinda to entertain guests at the anniversary

Kalangala speaks out

Buganda’s head of Ssese County, Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi Ssebisubi, reported to the Kabaka that environment degradation and HIV/AIDS prevalence among his subjects was alarming.

He also said that illegal fishing methods have greatly affected the fishing activity in Kalangala which has also led to a reduction of the fish population in the lake.

He further added that a lot is needed to be done by government and the people to address these problems. He added that people should be encouraged to plant trees and go for HIV testing and counselling services.


Buganda loyalists arrive at the venue ahead of celebrations

Business bolstered

It is estimated that more than 12,000 people including tourists visited Kalangala Town Council (Bugala Island) since Monday to attend the anniversary.

However, from such small things as sweets to food, the prices more than doubled by Wednesday and on Thursday and Friday prices had tripled.

According to the district information officer, Isaac Mugera, restaurants, pork joints, bars, clubs and fast-food vendors made big profits. Soda, beer and telecom companies also made high sales.

A plate of food (buffet) at the hotels went up from the usual sh15,000 to between  sh25,000 and sh32,000.

Transport fares and accommodation cost especially hotels, inns, lodges doubled sporadically five days to the event. Due to the high demand, hotel owners were forced to turn away most of the guests since every space had been booked and occupied.

The six big hotels in Kalangala namely Brovad Sand Lodge, Pearl Gardens Beach, Ssese Beach, Victoria beach Mirembe beach, Ssese habitat resort, increased prices from  the usual 150,000 and 250,000 shillings to 350,000 and 600,000 shillings per night.

For guest houses, inns and lodges prices went up from the usual 30,000 and 4,000 shillings per night to between 60,000 and 10,000 this time.

Transport fairs from Masaka mainland to Kalangala went up from 15,000 to 20,000 using taxis and for speed boats the prices went up to 70,000 and 100,000.

Rashid Kiyimba, the Manager of Brovad Sand Lodge, said Kabaka’s visit was a blessing. He said that by Wednesday most of the rooms had been booked. “Despite the increased charges, people insisted on paying,” he said.


Buganda’s head of Ssese County, Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi Ssebisubi(L) and Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga(R) at the function

Frank Bwekumbule, who travelled from Masaka to attend the event, said he used 50,000 shillings to reach Kalangala but failed to get a hotel to sleep in.

He further said that hotel and restaurant food had been hiked forcing him buy from vendors whose prices were a bit affordable.

Janat Nakagwa, a food vendor, said she sold a plate of food at 3000 (Katogo), plain chips 4000, small piece of chicken 2000 because she was charged 10,000 shillings to get space for her work. “Everything was hiked. Only soda was sold at promotional price of 1000 shillings,” she said.

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