Thirty-two years ago, history unfolded at Naggalabi Buddo as Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was crowned in a spectacle that rekindled centuries of Buganda’s royal tradition. As a person and prince of the Mmamba Gabunga clan, falling in the Ssemanobe lineage of Naggalabi Buddo, I was privileged to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. The air was thick with excitement, the sound of drums reverberating across Buddo as thousands gathered before dawn to celebrate the return of the monarchy.
The traditional rituals began in the early morning with the symbolic olutalo olw’ebirumbirumbi, a mock battle reenacting the legendary clash between Kabaka Kintu and Bemba Musota. Led by Omutaka Ssemanobe of the Mamba clan, the Crown Prince’s army triumphed, echoing the victory of Buganda’s founding monarch. As dawn broke, the sacred coronation site, anchored by the centuries-old Muwafu tree, became a stage for clan heads to perform their ancient duties, each action anchoring the Kabaka’s authority in ancestral legitimacy.
The moment of truth came when Katikkiro Jehoash Mayanja Nkangi lifted the right hand of Kabaka Mutebi before the multitude, declaring: “Ono ye Kabaka wammwe era Kabaka wange”—”This is your King, and also my King.” Dressed in barkcloth, a white tunic, and animal hides, the Kabaka sounded the royal Mujaguzo drums, including the famed Kawulugumo and Namanyonyi, marking the start of a new royal reign. In an electrifying show of tradition, a strong clansman from the Mbogo clan lifted the Kabaka on his shoulders to greet jubilant subjects.
Following the traditional rites, a solemn church coronation was held. The Kabaka, now in a black blazer and white kanzu, received blessings in an ecumenical service led by Bishop Misaeri Kauma and Archbishop Yona Okoth, with leaders from the Catholic, Orthodox, and Seventh-day Adventist churches also taking part. Rt. Rev. Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu of Masaka delivered a powerful homily, affirming the cultural and spiritual weight of the moment. The day concluded with a formal swearing-in, led by a legal team including Owek. John Katende, Owek. Godfrey Lule and Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
Today, as the Buganda Kingdom marks the 32nd anniversary of this landmark event, memories of that powerful morning at Buddo remain etched in the hearts of many. Celebrations at Kibuli Mosque have drawn dignitaries including Prince Kassim Nakibinge, the Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and the Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. Political leaders like Robert Kyagulanyi and Joel Ssenyonyi also joined in, underlining the enduring unity, reverence, and pride that surround the reign of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
