Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi turns 70

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The King of Buganda Kingdom, whose official title and name is Kabaka Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II, has this Sunday turned 70.

The 36th King of Buganda was born on April 13, 1955, at Mulago Hospital.

Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi is the son of Edward Frederick William David Walugembe Mutebi Luwangula Muteesa II, who reigned between 1939 and 1969. He later on became the first President of the Independent Uganda between 1962 and 1966.

Kabaka’s Parentage

King Mutebi’s mother was Omuzaana Kabejja Sarah Nalule of the Nkima clan.

He attained early education at Budo Junior School. He later on moved to King’s Mead School in Sussex and Bradfield College, a public school in West Berkshire. He then entered Magdalene College, Cambridge, still in the UK.

At the age of 11, he was appointed as Heir Apparent by his father on August 6, 1966. His professional life is characterised by many roles and kicked off while he was still in exile. He once worked as Associate Editor of the African Concord magazine and a member of the Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) in London. His ascendance to the Buganda Kingdom throne kicked off on November 21, 1969, upon the death of his father.

Return to Uganda

King Mutebi returned to Uganda in 1988, following the removal of the Milton Obote regime and the military junta that briefly replaced Obote. The constitutional restoration of kingdoms in Uganda that had been abolished by Milton Obote found him well-positioned to replace his late father as Buganda’s next Kabaka.

He was later enthroned at Buddo, Naggalabi on July 31, 1993. His royal seat is at Bulange building in Mengo, from where he has reigned since his coronation.

His 36-year reign makes him one of the longest-reigning traditional leaders of the Buganda Kingdom, whose history is more than 700 years.

Celebrations to commemorate the day on Sunday, April 13, include thanksgiving prayers at St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral.

Katikkiro’s birthday message

In his message, the Katikkiro (Prime minister) of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, congratulated the Kabaka on the development of Buganda through various initiatives.

“Today, the Kingdom of Buganda is celebrating the birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was born on April 13, 1955, at Mulago Hospital. When a person reaches 70 years, they are described as perfectly manifested in experience and understanding of the circumstances around him,” said the Katikkiro.

He added, “The leadership of the King is seen in fulfilling the history of traditional leadership through our language, people's development, education and peace in Buganda.”