Africa-Press – Uganda. The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on chiefs and leaders across the kingdom to actively reach out to the Kabaka’s subjects wherever they reside, encouraging them to stay engaged in the kingdom’s development programs.
The message was delivered on his behalf by Minister for Agriculture, Trade, Commerce, Livestock, and Fisheries in the Buganda Kingdom, Amisi Kakomo, during a gathering held at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, that brought together representatives of the Kabaka’s people from five counties: Ntenjeru (Kyaggwe), Ssekanyonyi (Ssingo), Muwanga (Ssingo), Lwemiyaga (Mawogola), and Bukulula (Buddu). Delegates from Busia, Tororo, and Malaba, as well as participants from Disney Junior & Day Care Center, were also in attendance.
In his remarks, Minister Kakomo expressed gratitude to the people of Buganda for their active participation in the celebrations marking the Kabaka’s 71st birthday, as well as in other kingdom initiatives, including fundraising efforts.
“Your support enables the Kabaka’s government to successfully implement its programs. We are truly grateful,” he said.
Minister Kakomo urged chiefs to intensify their visits to communities, saying such outreach helps to strengthen citizens and mobilize them to follow directives from the royal palace and participate in kingdom programs.
“I call upon all chiefs to increase efforts in visiting the Kabaka’s subjects, encouraging them to grow coffee and sufficient food crops so that they remain self-reliant in their own land. These visits also help us better understand the living conditions of our people,” he said, adding that this approach mirrors the Kabaka’s own example when he visited Omutaka Nadduli Kibaale in Kyaddondo County.
Minister Kakomo further encouraged citizens to improve standards across six key sectors identified by the kingdom: agriculture, trade and livelihoods, health, education, family welfare, and cultural values. He stressed that progress in these areas is essential to restoring Buganda’s former prominence.
On market access, Minister Kakomo urged the Kabaka’s subjects to utilize kingdom-established markets to sell their produce and improve their incomes. He also encouraged farmers to remain committed to coffee cultivation alongside other crops.
Meanwhile, The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs, Joseph Kawuki, commended the people of Buganda for their strong turnout during the Kabaka’s birthday celebrations, particularly the annual birthday run. He highlighted the importance of attending the royal court (Embuga), noting that consistent participation reflects public commitment to the kingdom’s activities.
Kawuki also advised parents to use the upcoming school holidays to guide and mentor their children to become responsible citizens and succeed academically.
He extended condolences on behalf of the kingdom to families who recently lost loved ones, including Helen Nakimuli and Prof. J.C. Ssekamwa, both recognized for their contributions to the kingdom and youth development, particularly at Makerere University.
Fred Katende, the Second Deputy to the Ssekiboobo, represented Ssekiboobo Vincent Matovu and reported progress in fundraising efforts, while urging all county representatives to increase their contributions. He also raised concerns about workers being unfairly evicted from their workplaces, calling for intervention.
Yusuf Kiruluuta Nkerettanyi, speaking on behalf of political leaders present, raised concerns about the declining use of indigenous languages. He urged schools to ensure that children learn and appreciate their native languages alongside foreign ones. He also criticized the growing trend of abandoning traditional clan names.
Nkerettanyi further expressed concern over ongoing national issues, including the eviction of traders from urban areas and the potential impact of the proposed Sovereignty Bill, warning that it could negatively affect citizens, especially those traveling abroad. He pledged continued advocacy to protect the rights and welfare of the
Kabaka’s people.
Joseph Ssenkumba, the Kabaka’s representative overseeing Busia, Tororo, and Malaba, noted that while many subjects outside Buganda are engaged in productive work, they often lack access to land for coffee farming.
He appealed for land allocation within Buganda to enable them to participate in the kingdom’s agricultural initiatives. He also presented over Shs 4 million collected from his jurisdiction.
County chiefs also presented reports highlighting both achievements and challenges. They thanked the Kabaka for development initiatives but raised concerns over land evictions, destruction of property, and limited market access for agricultural produce. They called for increased support from the kingdom to secure better market opportunities.
A total of Shs 40,115,000 was raised during the session by representatives of the Kabaka’s subjects.
The Katikkiro’s message underscored the importance of unity, grassroots engagement, and sustained participation in development efforts as key drivers of Buganda’s socio-economic transformation.
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