The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has issued a passionate appeal to parents across the kingdom to become living examples of traditional values for their children, declaring that strong families create a stable society. His message came during the official launch of preparations for the 2025 Clan Heads’ Cultural Training Program at Bulange, Mengo, where hundreds of clan leaders gathered to begin planning for the important cultural event scheduled for October 24, 2025 at Lubiri Palace.

Standing before assembled clan heads (Abataka), their deputies, and clan members, the Katikkiro delivered a stirring speech about the disappearing fabric of Buganda’s cultural identity. “Clans are the living libraries of our customs and values,” Mayiga stated, his voice echoing through the historic halls. “Parents must show through daily actions that character matters more than appearance, that integrity outweighs material wealth. When we abandon our culture, we lose our very soul as a people.”

The 2025 training program will operate under the powerful theme “The Family is the Foundation of Humanity,” unveiled by Namwama Augustine Kizito Mutumba, Chairperson of the Clan Heads’ Council and leader of the Kkobe clan. Namwama expressed deep concern about modern social erosion, particularly among youth. “We’re witnessing dangerous trends where young people seek identity through destructive means rather than our rich heritage,” he lamented. “The family must reclaim its role as society’s first classroom – teaching discipline, responsibility and proper values from childhood.”

Buganda’s Minister for Information, Israel Kitooke, representing the Minister of Culture and Heritage, reinforced these concerns. “A child who grows up without cultural grounding becomes like a tree without roots,” Kitooke warned. “We’re seeing the consequences of this in our communities today. Parents must understand they are the first and most important teachers.”

The Katikkiro used the occasion to reflect on his twelve years as Buganda’s Prime Minister, thanking the people for their steadfast support and prayers throughout his tenure. He reaffirmed his commitment to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s vision of a culturally vibrant, united and progressive Buganda kingdom. “Our Kabaka’s wisdom guides us in preserving what makes us Baganda while embracing positive development,” Mayiga said. “This cultural training represents that balance.”

In a lighter moment, the Katikkiro invited all clans to attend the opening matches of the much-anticipated Bika Football Tournament on May 3, 2025 at Wankulukuku Stadium. The tournament, a colorful display of Buganda’s clan system through sports, serves as both entertainment and cultural education for younger generations.

The launch event reached its symbolic climax when the Katikkiro signed the official planning banner, marking the beginning of intensive preparations for the October gathering. Clan elders from across Buganda’s 56 clans erupted in applause, many nodding in agreement as they discussed the urgent need to strengthen family structures.

Elder Nalwoga of the Mmamba (Lungfish) clan told this publication: “We’ve allowed television and phones to raise our children. Now we must return to the old ways – storytelling by firelight, proper introduction ceremonies, teaching clan histories. This training comes at the perfect time.”

The 2025 program will focus on four critical areas: strengthening family values, preserving authentic cultural practices, environmental conservation through traditional knowledge, and proper observance of Buganda’s ceremonies. Organizers revealed that breakout sessions will include practical demonstrations of traditional child-rearing methods, conflict resolution techniques used by ancestors, and proper observance of life cycle ceremonies from birth to death.

Cultural experts warn that Buganda faces a silent crisis as urbanization and globalization accelerate the erosion of traditions. Dr. Sarah Nalumansi, a lecturer in African Traditional Institutions at Makerere University, explains: “What the Katikkiro is addressing isn’t nostalgia – it’s survival. Research shows children grounded in their cultural identity demonstrate better decision-making and mental health outcomes.”

The clan training initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Buganda kingdom to safeguard its heritage. Recent years have seen the introduction of cultural education programs in schools, the digitization of oral histories, and renewed emphasis on traditional farming methods. However, leaders acknowledge that lasting change must begin in homes.

As the sun set over Bulange, clan leaders departed with renewed determination. The message was clear: the battle to preserve Buganda’s soul will be fought not in parliament or palaces, but in everyday family interactions – around dinner tables, during bedtime stories, and through the conscious choices parents make to live the values they hope to pass on.

With twelve months until the main event, organizers plan regional consultations to ensure all clans contribute to what promises to be one of the most significant cultural gatherings in recent memory. For the Katikkiro and Buganda’s traditional leaders, October 2025 represents more than a date on the calendar – it’s the beginning of a cultural renaissance that must start in every household across the kingdom.