Thousands of subjects assemble for the Kabaka’s Birthday Run at the Lubiri, Mengo, starting point yesterday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
By Stephen Kafeero
KAMPALA. A new chapter is to be opened today in Buganda Kingdom’s more than 700-year-rich history as Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II celebrates his 60th birthday at Bulange, Mengo in Kampala, today.
Today’s fete is significant as palace records show that no Kabaka has clocked 50 years in more than 100 years.
Kabaka Mutebi’s great grandfather Muteesa I died at 47, Mwanga II at 35, Chwa II at 43 and his father Muteesa II died at 45.
As a kingdom, Buganda will also be reflecting on the 60 years of Kabaka Mutebi’s life and 22 years since his 1993 coronation, in which the kingdom has had a fair share of good and bad fortunes.
For example, the 1966 crisis when the Uganda Army attacked the Mengo Palace and subsequently abolished kingdoms, is still fresh in the minds of many loyalists. Similar bad memories are cast on the September 2009 riots when government stopped the Kabaka from travelling to Bugerere County for a youth day celebration. The resultant riots reportedly left 27 people dead.
A dark shadow characterised by gloom was cast over the kingdom when the historic Kasubi Tombs, the mausoleum of Buganda kings, were torched and mourners clashed with the security operatives leading to unspecified number of deaths.
The kingdom’s brightest moment was the restoration of kingdoms by the NRM government and the crowning of Kabaka Mutebi as Buganda’s 36th Kabaka in 1993 at Nagalabi, Buddo. The numerous development projects the Kabaka has initiated such as CBS radio, Muteesa I Royal University, Buganda Royal Institute, Lubiri High School, Lubiri Nabagereka Primary School and others have given the kingdom belief it can revive its past glory.
Masengere
The key highlight of today’s events is the handover of the Masengere to the monarch as a birthday gift. The completion of the multi-faceted building is a milestone given that it had remained abandoned for more than four decades.
The original structure of the Masengere formerly called Bulange Plaza adjacent to Bulange, Mengo, was constructed by former President Idi Amin’s government in 1975 as part of the defence offices.
In a fundraising drive dubbed Etoffali spearheaded by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, the building has been completed in a period of less than two years. The refurbished Nnantawetwa Junction on Kabaka-Anjagala Road that leads to the kingdom seat at Bulange-Mengo, will be another monument the crowd will marvel over.
Kabaka Mutebi is expected to arrive at Masengere at 10am and commission the building. At 11am, Namirembe Diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira will lead prayers and this will be followed by speeches. According to the official programme, the function will end by 12:30pm.
The key highlight of today’s events is the handover of the Masengere to the monarch as a birthday gift. The completion of the multi-faceted building is a milestone given that it had remained abandoned for more than four decades.
The original structure of the Masengere formerly called Bulange Plaza adjacent to Bulange, Mengo, was constructed by former President Idi Amin’s government in 1975 as part of the defence offices.
In a fundraising drive dubbed Etoffali spearheaded by Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, the building has been completed in a period of less than two years. The refurbished Nnantawetwa Junction on Kabaka-Anjagala Road that leads to the kingdom seat at Bulange-Mengo, will be another monument the crowd will marvel over.
Kabaka Mutebi is expected to arrive at Masengere at 10am and commission the building. At 11am, Namirembe Diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira will lead prayers and this will be followed by speeches. According to the official programme, the function will end by 12:30pm.
The run
The Kabaka yesterday officially launched the celebrations by flagging-off thousands of runners at the Lubiri (palace) in Mengo. His young brother Prince David Wassajja was the chief runner.
Like in 2014, the proceeds from the race will go towards fighting the deadly fistula that affects thousands of women in Uganda.
The Kabaka yesterday officially launched the celebrations by flagging-off thousands of runners at the Lubiri (palace) in Mengo. His young brother Prince David Wassajja was the chief runner.
Like in 2014, the proceeds from the race will go towards fighting the deadly fistula that affects thousands of women in Uganda.
CREDIT: DAILY MONITOR
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