Today, July 31, 2025, marks the 32nd coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II, the 36th King of Buganda.
The ceremony commemorates the day in 1993 when the then-Prince was crowned at Naggalabi Buddo, a historic site in Busiro County, cementing his role as cultural head of the Buganda Kingdom.
This year’s event is themed “Men, Let Us Be Brave in Fighting HIV/AIDS and Save the Girl Child.”
According to Buganda Kingdom media sources, Kabaka Mutebi II has played a crucial role in reviving traditional and cultural institutions that were abolished in 1966 during a political crisis that saw the monarchy outlawed under Prime Minister Milton Obote’s regime.
For 27 years, these institutions lay dormant until they were reinstated in the 1990s following negotiations with the government led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The restoration was seen as a move toward national unity, identity, and cultural preservation.
Over the past three decades, Kabaka Mutebi II has become a champion of social development, especially in areas of health, education, youth empowerment, and cultural heritage.
One of his flagship initiatives is the Kabaka Birthday Run, held annually to promote health awareness and fundraising.
The Kabaka has also spearheaded the construction of hospitals across several counties including Busiro, Buddu, Kyaggwe, Ssingo, and Bulemeezi, with more projects still underway. His efforts in healthcare extend to medical camps, vaccination drives, and public health awareness campaigns led by Buganda Kingdom institutions.
In education, the Kabaka Education Fund (KEF) has supported the establishment of schools ranging from nursery to primary level, with a long-term goal of increasing access to quality education for the Kingdom’s children.
In a bid to empower youth and create employment, the Kabaka has overseen the founding and growth of key institutions such as CBS FM, BBS Terefayina, the Buganda Land Board, and the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board, among others. These institutions not only preserve the Kingdom’s heritage but also contribute significantly to the region’s economy.
Kabaka Mutebi has also revitalized clan and county-level traditions, such as inter-clan football tournaments, which have fostered unity and cultural pride. Notably, he has promoted religious inclusion, a departure from historical precedent.
While his father, Kabaka Muteesa II, was known for aligning Buganda closely with the Anglican Church, Kabaka Mutebi has emphasized inclusive across all faiths. This year’s coronation celebrations were held at Kibuli Mosque, a symbolic gesture of unity among Buganda’s diverse religious communities.
Omutaka Mugema Charles Mugwanya Nsejjere of the Akasolya (Enkima) clan, one of the traditional leaders who officiated the coronation rites in 1993, praised the Kabaka’s leadership stating that everything the Kabaka promised during his coronation has been fulfilled,and thanked him for keeping his word.
Numerous dignitaries joined the Kingdom and its subjects in commemorating the occasion. Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga delivered a heartfelt message:
“On my own behalf and that of my family, on behalf of the government of His Majesty, and on behalf of all the people of Buganda, I extend congratulations to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on this day marking 32 years since he ascended the throne.
We have achieved great success. The challenges are there, but we shall overcome them for His Majesty is present. Long live, O Majestic One!”
Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among also issued a congratulatory statement: “I join all Ugandans in honouring and congratulating His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, on his 32nd coronation anniversary. May your reign continue to inspire and guide the socio-economic transformation of your people. Wangaala Ayi Ssabasajja Kabaka!”
