Africa-Press – Uganda. Princess Diana Teyeggala Balizzamugale, a sister to Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II, was on Monday laid to rest at the Kasubi Royal Tombs in a ceremony marked by deep emotion, royal tradition and wide national attendance.
The burial followed prayers held earlier at St. Andrews Church, Kasubi–Nabulagala, where the body of the late princess lay in repose as mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
The service was attended by the Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, princes and princesses of Buganda, senior members of the royal family, officials from the Buganda Kingdom and the central government, clergy and members of the public.
Leading the prayers, the Archdeacon of Kazo, Rev. Canon Saava David Mpagi, conveyed condolences to His Majesty the Kabaka and the entire royal family, describing the loss as a painful moment not only for Buganda but for the nation as a whole.
“This is a moment of deep sorrow for the royal family and for Buganda,” Rev. Canon Mpagi said, urging mourners to draw strength from faith and unity as they mourned a daughter of the kingdom.
Several speakers used the service to reflect on Princess Diana’s character and contribution to the royal family, describing her as principled, forthright and deeply committed to the values of Buganda.
Speaking on behalf of the royal family, Prince David Kintu Wasajja remembered his late sister as a woman who spoke her mind freely and stood firmly by her convictions.
“She was open, honest and courageous. She always spoke the truth without fear or bias,” Prince Wasajja said, adding that her death had left a significant void within the family.
“Her passing is a great loss to us. She was deeply valued and played an important role within the royal household.”
Prince Wasajja also used the occasion to call on the people of Buganda to remain united and to care for one another, saying these were values the late princess consistently upheld during her lifetime.
“She believed in unity, mutual respect and looking out for one another. That is the spirit she lived by, and it is what she would want us to continue,” he said.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the Kabaka and the royal family, praising Princess Diana for her love for people and her firm stance on issues affecting society.
He also commended Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II for the care and attention he accorded his sister during her illness, a point that resonated strongly with many mourners.
“The Kabaka stood by his sister and ensured she received dedicated medical care until her final days,” Mayiga said, describing it as a powerful demonstration of family responsibility and compassion.
The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, also conveyed condolences to the Kabaka and the royal family, describing Princess Diana as a daughter of royal lineage whose life carried deep historical significance for Buganda.
He thanked the clergy and speakers for delivering messages of comfort, saying their words had brought strength and hope to a grieving family and community.
Following the church service, the body of the late princess was escorted to the Kasubi Royal Tombs amid the sound of traditional royal drums, mujjaguzo, as mourners lined the route in quiet reflection.
Upon arrival at Kasubi, the body was taken into the main sacred house, Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, in accordance with Buganda royal customs and traditions.
The ceremony then continued in the courtyard of the Royal Tombs, where brief remarks were delivered under the guidance of Nalinnya Beatrice Namikka.
Princess Diana Teyeggala Balizzamugale was officially laid to rest in an atmosphere of dignity and solemnity, with many mourners visibly moved by the final rites.
Her life was closely intertwined with the history of the Buganda Kingdom. She never met her father, Kabaka Edward Muteesa II, having been born while he was in exile. He died when she was only three years old, a reality that shaped much of her upbringing and life within the royal family.
As she was laid to rest at Kasubi, the burial marked a final farewell to a princess remembered for her honesty, courage and commitment to unity and service within Buganda.
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