Africa-Press – Uganda. Cultural enthusiasts and traditional leaders gathered in Sseguku, Busiro County, to commemorate 55 years of promoting and strengthening Buganda’s cultural heritage in a celebration marked by ritual observances, traditional performances and calls for renewed identity.
The event, led by Prince Luwangula Basajjansolo, head of the Prince’s clan and Chairperson of the Cultural Council in the Buganda Kingdom, took place at the palace of Mulongo Kato Mayanja.
It brought together believers in African traditions, princes and princesses, clan leaders and community members committed to preserving indigenous values.
The celebrations began with thanksgiving prayers to ancestors and traditional deities, led by Ssalongo Luwangula Basajjansolo.
The spiritual observance set the tone for the day, reaffirming the central role of ancestral reverence within Buganda’s cultural framework.
The gathering then transitioned into vibrant traditional dances and cultural games that showcased the depth and richness of Buganda’s heritage.
Performers dressed in traditional attire entertained guests with rhythmic drumming, storytelling and symbolic rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Luwangula urged the people of Buganda to rediscover their identity and renew their commitment to cultural values in a rapidly changing world.
“I call upon the people of Buganda to rediscover themselves and renew their image so that they can represent our culture positively wherever they live,” he said.
He emphasised that culture is not merely ceremonial, but a living foundation that shapes moral values, social cohesion and community pride.
Prince Luwangula also encouraged believers in tradition to remain confident and steadfast in their cultural faith, noting that preservation requires patience and resilience.
“Let us continue believing in ourselves and remain committed until our traditions are firmly restored and respected across Buganda and the world,” he added.
Organisers said the movement began 55 years ago with the aim of spreading awareness about African traditions and helping communities reconnect with their roots at a time when many cultural practices were being sidelined.
Over the decades, the initiative has focused on educating younger generations about clan structures, customs, moral teachings and traditional leadership systems.
Leaders at the event noted that sustaining these values is critical for maintaining social continuity and safeguarding identity.
Princes and princesses who attended the commemoration stressed the importance of returning to core cultural principles as a source of unity and dignity.
They argued that cultural preservation strengthens families and fosters a sense of belonging among young people navigating modern influences.
As drums echoed through the palace grounds and elders shared stories of the past, the anniversary served as both a celebration and a reminder — that Buganda’s cultural heritage, carefully guarded and intentionally nurtured, remains a vital pillar of the kingdom’s identity.
