King Mutebi warns of Kingdom’ saboteurs
Those insulting the King risk death says Bishop
By Our reporter
NAMIREMBE – People flocked to Namirembe Cathedral to mark Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 31 years’ service on the throne, an important moment in the Buganda Kingdom, whose history spans over 800 years. The King skipped the service on the advice of doctors to take a rest.
With the recent controversies triggered by his prolonged stay in Germany and Namibia where he sought medical treatment, the monarch has reaffirmed his call for unity among his subjects.
During his stay abroad, the Kingdom came under attack notably two video clips that went viral on social media. Yiga Kisakyamukama appeared using abusive, vulgar, and defamatory statements against the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Mutebi, the Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga, and Rev. Fr. Mugisha of the Catholic Church in Masaka diocese which he claimed were promoting sectarianism and tribalism. Kisakyamukama was instead promoted to the assistant Resident District Commissioner, Gomba.
Kooki and Buruli counties declared independent from Buganda are recognized chiefdoms by central governments.
Buganda Prime Minister Peter Charles reaffirmed King Mutebi is still in charge of Buganda Kingdom affairs.
“You are well aware that I received the King on 22nd July 2024. Doctors do not want the King to do any work before he recovers fully and that is why he is not here. I know Buganda is eager to see the king but let us be patient. I know where he is, he can see you here.” he said.
Mayiga said for the last 31 years of the King’s reign, Buganda has faced challenges of people trying to divide the Kingdom, attaining federal status which is yet to materialize, and undermining the Kingdom.
“We have managed to overcome these challenges because we are one. It is difficult to win people who are united. This methodology of unity was stated by King Kintu in Busujju. We have to be one for the prosperity of Buganda. Let was be aware of those who want to divide us and weaken us. There are those who want to disturb us but they will not win us. I request us to be united. Let us have respect for each other so we can raise Buganda to its former glory as one,” said.
In a recorded video clip King Ronald Mutebi urged his subjects to be careful of people undermining his Monarch.
“Thank God for the gift of life and treatment from different countries abroad, we are happy to reach this anniversary. Thanks to the medical team, although my life is getting better, I am advised to get rest. Although I have not been around, I have been following what was happening.
We have always called for unity and respect for our cultural values. If we do not unite, the enemy will divide us,” he said.
Adding, “There are people telling lies about our monarch. You have to be careful of these people. A King has a procedure of enthronement, not elected, clan leaders have their roles. A King has the right to drop some cultural values depending on the current situation and appoint a Prime Minister of his choice.”
He hailed youth abroad loving the Kingdom and also thanked Rt. Rev. Moses Banja the sixth bishop of Namirembe Diocese and his subjects for attending and organized the prayers.
In his preaching to the congregation, Bishop Banja called for the unity of the Kingdom and prayed for the good health of the King. He also warned people who insult King Mutebi that they risk death quoting the bible proverbs chapter 16 verses 13 to 15.
“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring,” he said.
Bishop Banja further explained “We are here to thank God for the King’s good health. We wish King Mutebi many more years. There some who have been thinking the King will never come back, but he is here,” he said.
Adding, “Always respect the King, let us repent for what we have wronged. Even pray for those who have disrespected our King.”
Bisho Banja called on the government to deter people who talk ill about Buganda Kingdom and King Mutebi.
He urged Buganda subjects to be hard working especially engaging in farming singling our coffee farming championed by the Kingdom.
“As Baganda, we have to be united and donate to the King. If you are not hard-working, you will not have what to donate,” he said.
He also called on the King’s subjects to plant trees to conserve the environment amidst the current climate change.
“When you produce a child, plant two trees, if they are twins they have too many trees. But a special call goes to youth not to do gambling,” he said.
Bishop Banja decried the high rate at which the Baganda are selling off their land and the disrespect of the Buganda Monarch.
Uganda Prime Minister Robina Nabanja is represented by the Minister for Kampala City. Hon. Hajjati Minsa Kabanda called for more prayer for the King and decried some people who took advantage of his sickness to undermine his monarch.
“We should not talk ill of the sick, it is not only the old that fall sick, everyone can fall sick. I am not a Buganda but I love the King. Let us be one and develop the country.
She promised the Kings a gift to be delivered to Buganda Prime Minister at a later stage. She hailed Buganda’s Prime Minister for absorbing all the abuses.
Many of the King’s subjects delivered gifts to His Majesty.
Several schools presented poems and songs praising the King and calling for Buganda Kingdom unity.
Queen Syliva Naggginda Luswata, Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga, Former Vice President Edward Sekandi, religious leaders, and politicians attended the service presided over by Arch-Bishop Kazimba Mugalu.
Meanwhile, at Bulange Mengo, Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba presented a generous gift of 10 cows for the King’s anniversary.
The Coronation anniversary was also marked with the annual Buganda Coronation Anniversary golf tournament one of the sporting events held for that cause.
Individuals and several corporate organizations as Crown Beverages (Pepsi), Absa Bank, Case Medicare, Equity Bank, Santa Maria Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, KCB Bank, Jesa Farm, Soliton Telmec, Pinnace Security and White Cap Crisp all took part.
The week-long championship was held at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club, Kitante in Kampala, commencing with the caddies, the gross (whose points counted for the world amateur ranking system), and the main championship held on Saturday, 27th July 2024.
Prince (Omulangira) Crispin Jjunju Kiwewa officiated at the main opening of the tourney with a ceremonial tee-off on hole number one.
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