{UAH} Mr.Mulindwa: Achievements made under Kabaka Mutebi Ronald!

Katikkiro lauds Kabaka for restoring Buganda honour

Written by Zurah Nakabugo
Created: 05 August 2016

As part of the 23rd anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Mutebi's reign, ZURAH NAKABUGO spent some time with the Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga and Buganda Information minister Noah Kiyimba who explained Buganda's achievements since 1993.

Last Sunday (July 31), marked 23 years since Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was installed as the 36th Kabaka of Buganda at Naggalabi, Buddo, coronation grounds.
The story of his coronation is a unique one as he had to endure going through the intricacies of restoring his kingdom, which had been abolished 27 years by the Milton Obote regime.
"It, therefore, goes without saying that Kabaka Mutebi II's greatest achievement in 23 years is the restoration of his kingdom and keeping the throne amidst the challenges and changing times," says Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga.
He said it is also important to note that in some countries like Germany, France, Congo and Zimbabwe where kingdoms were abolished before, they were never restored, even when people demanded for them.
"Kabaka Mutebi is extremely skilled, given the fact that he managed to restore his kingdom. It is a lifetime legacy," Mayiga says. "And to see young people interested so much in their kingdom explains some of these very rare skills."

Kabaka at the launch of Kabaka Kyabaggu sports stadium at Wakiso
According to Mayiga, ideally, one would expect young people not to be as interested – perhaps looking at the kingdom as an ancient institution.
"The youth are the most interested people in the 'kabakaship,' which further underlines Kabaka Mutebi's skills in galvanizing his people," he explains.
This year's coronation anniversary theme Strong, truthful and democratic leadership at all levels centered around the fact that the Kabaka is on his throne. Mayiga says the theme makes Buganda happy, and this leads to greater development in the kingdom, and the country at large.
Mayiga says the kingdom is united behind their leader and all people moving in his direction. This is exhibited in the support people have towards their king. For instance, last year, the Ssaza football finals saw probably the largest crowd ever seen at the Nelson Mandela national stadium, Namboole graced by Kabaka Mutebi.

DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
He pointed out the fact that the Kabaka's annual birthday run is now one of the largest events in Uganda. The event, whose proceeds help to fight against fistula which mostly affects teenage mothers, last year saw Shs 70m was handed over to Kitovu hospital in Masaka district. A total of Shs 50m was raised for the same project in 2014.
From next year, the proceeds will go towards the treatment and raising awareness of sickle cell anemia. Architectural plans are underway for a referral hospital, expected to be located at Lubiri and funded from the ettoffaali fundraiser collections. The hospital will mostly cater for low-income earners, but also offer private-wing services.
"If you look at Ettoffaali and the way people turn up everywhere Katikkiro Mayiga turns up shows the love people have for their Kabaka," Noah Kiyimba, the Information minister for Buganda kingdom says. "About Shs 9bn has been collected from ettoffaali by people giving the little they have. That is a strong indicator of unity," Kiyimba adds.

Kampala University founding vice chancellor, Prof Badru Kateregga, greets Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi (L) and the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope, at his home at Kabasanda in Butambala. Prof Kateregga hosted the monarchs as part of Kabaka Mutebi's 23rd coronation an- niversary
He says this unity has been achieved because Buganda has been able to set a developmental agenda. In 1996, the kingdom started a radio station which is now the biggest and most popular in the country. Kiyimba explains that CBS FM has very many developmental programmes that touch on people's lives.
The Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEF) has been at the forefront of an agricultural and environmental revolution to provide tree and crop seedlings, and advisory services, to communities.
"In education, the Kabaka, through the Kabaka education fund, has provided bursaries to 45,000 primary school pupils, 69,000 students at secondary school level and 49,500 at tertiary institutions. The beneficiaries of these bursaries come from all over the country," Kiyimba says.
He adds that the kingdom's health ministry organizes health camps where the Kabaka's people are treated free of charge and thousands do turn up. Recently, the kingdom also acquired a brand new ambulance to reach out to Kabaka's subjects.

EKISAAKAATE
The Nnaabagereka development foundation is leading a cultural revival with its much sought- after ekisaakaate, or 'The royal enclosure,' programmes where thousands of children and young adults are impacted with morals, domestic duties and empowered with skills. Participants come from across the country.

The royal enclosure is a brainchild of Buganda's Nnabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda, and about 10,000 youths have participated in it since its inception in 2007.
"In Kisakaate, they also introduced new courses such as table manners, assertiveness, baking, talent building and teach how to reduce the time they spend on social media," he adds.
Kiyimba says by all Ugandans working together, the royal tombs at Kasubi and Wamala have also been rehabilitated. A perimeter wall covering 64 acres at Kasubi is now in place, modern houses, with solar systems and piped water, have been built for caretakers at the Kasubi royal tombs. However, works are ongoing on muzibu azaala mpanga – the main mausoleum where four kings are buried.
"Masengere, a modern building that was lying idle besides Bulange for 40 years, is now complete and occupied by paying- tenants. Talking of Masengere, it houses Buganda's new TV station, Buganda Broadcasting Service (BBS). The station is a result of a responsive culture at Mengo as it was directly demanded by the Kabaka's subjects," he says.
Currently, ettoffaali fundraiser is facilitating the transformation of the Kabaka's lake located in Ndeeba, a Kampala surburb. Buganda is working closely with other kingdoms on how they can extend more services to people.
INNOVATIONS
Kiyimba says other achievements include increased support and partnerships with private and development partners. He cites innovations like the Ngule lager which is now the fastest growing beer in Uganda. There is also Mirembe Villas which are under construction - 40 modern houses already built - in Kigo, Entebbe.
"Efforts are underway to build houses for low-income earners in Ssentema, Busiro," Kiyimba adds.
"Other positive developments include the central government returning more properties to the kingdom and agreeing to compensate for the properties sold."
On culture, Kiyimba emphasizes that Buganda values its culture so much, and that is why it doesn't approve women wearing trousers whenever they attend cultural functions.
"Although the world is developing very fast, we still treasure our cultural values and we shall not adopt western cultures that go against our norms," he says.
zurah@observer.ug

Comments  

0 #1 Betty Nalubega 2016-08-05 12:00
I commend Observer for this report . Usually , Observer prefers publishing only negative stories when it comes to Buganda .

Some people might be suprised by some of the things that are revealed in this report. I doubt if many Ugandan knew that our Kabaka `s education fund offers bursaries to over 150 000 children for their education , regardless of which tribe or religion they belong to..

Because our Kingdom`s leadership is not so good at blowing its own trumpet , many people may not know some of the development that Buganda has achieved inspite of the hardships.

I support the idea of building a hospital inside the Lubiri. This is another project that our people and friends will be willing to contribute for. I am sure I will "sell my cows and goats" for that one..

Awangaale Ssabasajja Kababa wa Buganda !!!!
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0 #2 Wooden K. 2016-08-05 15:19
Ow`Ekitiibwa Katikkiro Mayiga , nze muzzukulu wa Miti nkussaamu ekitiibwa . Awangaale Magulu Nnyondo !!

Mama and I thank you for a job well done . Ssabasajja Kabaka has performed miracles thats for sure . We LOVE and thank Ssabasajja for his leadership.

We are sure that the Nabagereka has played a role that no Nabagereka has even done in Buganda`s history . We thank all Baganda and , in a special way , our brothers and sisters from other tribes who have joined us to rebuild our beloved Nation Of Buganda.

We apprecaite our King`s humble and cool demenour even when circumstancies make it tough to remain so.

Ssebo Katikkiro , and all your team , stay focused and never allow pressure and noises to divert you. Buganda was destroyed for many years .

To repair the damage , let us move forward one step after another; one project after another . These people who are saying that Buganda should be like Arab Emirates of the Agha Khan do not know anything about swimming againt the tide.

Long live the Kabaka . Long live Buganda .
Amen !
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