The Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the people of Buganda to celebrate the 70th birthday of Kabaka Ronald Mutebi, terming it an important event that helps in preserving the history, culture, and traditions of the Kingdom. The birthday, set for April 13, 2025, is one of the most important occasions in the Buganda Kingdom, and preparations have already begun to make it a memorable celebration.

Addressing a media briefing to announce the commencement of preparations, Mayiga said the Kabaka’s life has been filled with numerous challenges, and the 70th birthday is, therefore, very significant. He noted that though the Kabaka was born while his father, Sir Edward Muteesa, was still alive, he was forced into exile at the age of 11 years and never saw his father again. Despite such difficulties, Kabaka Mutebi was able to turn out as a symbol of strength and unity among the people of Buganda.

Kabaka Mutebi has faced many challenges since birth. He was exiled as a child and lost his father at a young age. Yet, he has continued to lead with grace and dedication, Mayiga said. “Celebrating his birthday is not just about marking another year; it is about honoring his resilience and the legacy of Buganda’s monarchy.

The Prime Minister reminded them that the Kabaka’s birthday joins the other two most important occasions in Buganda Kingdom, referring to other vital cultural events that take place. He explained that these are feasts but at the same time steeped deep in the heritage of the kingdom: they keep memories of history alive for newer generations and will continue to give life to heritage in the coming years.

The Kabaka’s birthday is a tradition that dates back to the time of Kabaka Kintu, the first king of Buganda. It is a time for us to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and plan for the future,” Mayiga said. “This celebration is a way for us to connect with our roots and ensure that our culture is passed down to future generations.

Preparations for the 2025 celebrations were officially launched by the Buganda Kingdom, and a committee to oversee the planning process was appointed, headed by Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, second deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, deputized by Cotlda Nakate Kikomeko, Minister of Education and Social Services, among other members.

Waggwa Nsibirwa said they would do all it takes to ensure success during the jubilee celebrations. He added that this is part of the kingdom’s goal and commitment to upholding its heritage and everything else that holds its people together through thick and thin. “We are committed to organizing a celebration that reflects the values and traditions of Buganda. We now call upon all the Kabaka’s subjects to join us in this effort and contribute in every way they can,” he added.

He explained that it has many rituals, hence an event of this kind requires the leaders to plan beforehand. It will also accord some rituals meant not only for showing respect to this day of great importance in nature but also to add in educating the subjects of Buganda about what all these means when celebrated in relation to culture and tradition. “We need time to prepare because this is not just a party. It’s a cultural event that means everything to our kingdom,” explained Mayiga.

COVID-19 has shadowed celebrations on the birthday of the Kabaka for these years. This compelled the Kingdom, for reasons of safety and following the necessary regulations, to shift to celebrations through virtual activities that were to be held at Lubiri Palace. As much as such activities made sense, they lacked huge groups and engagement like those during celebrations. This year, the Kingdom has not announced where the 2025 celebrations will take place, but there is hope that they will return to their traditional format, with people from all over Buganda coming together to honor their king.

Mayiga also thanked the Kabaka for his life and service, especially as he has approached his 70th birthday. “We thank God for having protected the Kabaka up to this age. His life has been a story of strength and survival, which we are proud to celebrate,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s call to celebrate Kabaka Mutebi’s birthday has been met with enthusiasm by many in Buganda. For the people of the Kingdom, the Kabaka is not just a king but a symbol of their identity and unity. His birthday is a time to come together, celebrate their shared heritage, and reaffirm their commitment to preserving their culture.

As 2025 starts and celebrations are beginning to be prepared for, so it calls the attention of Buganda’s people back to important traditions, one helping to keep their Kingdom strong. More than celebrating a birthday, it also reminds them of where they’re from and what values have kept them as one. This is in respect of community involvement and a committed planning committee, so that these celebrations in 2025 will be fitting for Kabaka Ronald Mutebi and the lasting Buganda Kingdom.