The Kabaka has No deputy—Kabaka Mutebi clarifies

Kampala July 31—The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has warned his subjects to guard against people who want to destroy the kingdom.

In a televised address from his Palace at Nkoni in Masaka Buddu county, commemorating his 31st. coronation anniversary, Kabaka Mutebi said that although he has been away receiving treatment, he has been closely following all the different events taking place in Buganda and outside, quoting a Luganda proverb, “Eryokanga n’etonya…..’(interpreted as that the prevailing problems enabled him to know some people’s behaviours). He said the issues experienced in recent months, have caused some people unknowingly or intentionally insult and violate the morals and norms of the kingdom and behave improperly. “They have done many things to mislead our people about the throne and the Kingdom. This is absolutely dangerous. You should be very careful with such people”, Kabaka Mutebi said.

The Kabaka reminded his subjects that he has been encouraging them to unite, protect and respect our traditions and norms through which our enemies could utilise if we neglect them.

Kabaka Mutebi who is still under medical supervision, clarified that the Kabaka performs some rituals when his being installed on the throne and he is not elected by clan leaders. He added that there specified clan heads who are well known and their special responsibilities to the Kabaka.  

He also expounded on his leadership saying “The King rules the Kingdom with the assistance of the Katikkiro who is appointed by the King himself and the Kabaka has no deputy. In our tradition, the Kabaka has the right to establish or revoke certain customs according to the prevailing times”.

The Kabaka’s address came as the church service commemorating Kabaka Mutebi’s 31st coronation anniversary at St. Paul Cathedral Namirembe, was concluding.

The service was attended by a big crowd that included the royal family led by the Nabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda. Namirembe Diocesan Bishop, Moses Banja who led the prayers, thanked the Kabaka fo his efforts towards improving the lives of his subjects.

Kabaka Mutebi, born on April 13th 1955, became Buganda’s 36th King on July 31st 1993, coming in the footsteps of his father the late Sir Edward Walugembe Mutesa II, who died in exile in London November 21st 1969.