The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called for unity among the people of Buganda, describing it as one of the core values cherished by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. His remarks came during the Kabaka’s 70th birthday thanksgiving service at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala, where he highlighted a significant moment of reconciliation between two prominent political figures.

During his address, Mayiga pointed to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and former Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, who were seen seated together and engaging in conversation. “I can see my son-in-law Robert Kyagulanyi sitting with my uncle Mathias Mpuuga,” Mayiga said, referring to their familial ties within Buganda’s cultural framework. “Such gestures of talking should continue.” His statement was met with applause from the congregation, signaling approval for the visible thaw in tensions between the two leaders.

Mayiga emphasized that peaceful dialogue and mutual respect are crucial for the development of both Buganda and Uganda as a whole. His message carried particular weight given the recent public fallout between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga, which had threatened to divide their political support base.

The rift between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga stemmed from the latter’s involvement in a controversial Shs 500 million “service award” scandal. The money was part of a larger Shs 1.7 billion payout allegedly shared among parliamentary commissioners, including Mpuuga, in what critics called an unjustified allocation of public funds. Despite the controversy, Mpuuga maintained his innocence, refusing to admit wrongdoing, which led to his removal from NUP leadership positions.

At the thanksgiving service, Kyagulanyi sought to clarify that his disagreement with Mpuuga was not personal but based on principle. “There is no enmity with our brother Mpuuga,” he told journalists. “The issue was that he made a mistake, which everyone saw, and he did not admit it. That is why we relieved him of his responsibilities. We have closed that chapter and moved forward.”

The sight of the two leaders shaking hands and conversing at the event was seen as a positive step toward healing divisions within Uganda’s opposition circles. For many observers, the moment symbolized a return to the unity that Buganda’s cultural leaders have long advocated.

The controversy that drove a wedge between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga began when reports emerged that Mpuuga and three other parliamentary commissioners—Solomon Silwany (Bukooli Central), Prossy Mbabazi (Rubanda District Woman MP), and Esther Afoyochan (Zombo District Woman MP)—had allocated themselves hefty “service awards.” Mpuuga reportedly received Shs 500 million, while the others took Shs 400 million each, despite having served for less than a year in some cases.

The revelation sparked public outrage, with many Ugandans condemning the move as a blatant misuse of taxpayer money. Civil society organizations and opposition supporters demanded accountability, putting pressure on NUP to take action against Mpuuga, who was then the party’s deputy president for Buganda.

The Katikkiro’s remarks at the Kabaka’s birthday celebration went beyond the political reconciliation, touching on broader societal unity. Mayiga stressed that disagreements should not lead to permanent divisions, especially among leaders who share cultural and regional ties. His call for harmony aligns with the Buganda Kingdom’s longstanding emphasis on togetherness, respect, and dialogue as pillars of progress.

The Kabaka’s birthday celebrations have traditionally served as a unifying platform, bringing together people from different political, religious, and social backgrounds. This year’s event was no exception, with leaders from various factions setting aside differences to honor the kingdom’s cultural heritage.

While the public interaction between Kyagulanyi and Mpuuga suggests a possible easing of tensions, it remains unclear whether this will translate into full political reconciliation. NUP has maintained its stance that Mpuuga’s actions were unacceptable, and the party has moved forward with new leadership. However, the handshake at Rubaga Cathedral could signal a willingness to mend fences, at least on a personal level.

For Buganda, the incident reinforces the kingdom’s role as a mediator in political and social conflicts. The Katikkiro’s words serve as a reminder that, beyond political affiliations, cultural unity remains a powerful force in shaping Uganda’s future.

As the country navigates its complex political landscape, moments like these—where leaders choose dialogue over division—offer hope for a more cohesive society. Whether this reconciliation will last or fade remains to be seen, but for now, the kingdom’s message of unity has taken center stage.