Faith, Culture and Service Unite as Buganda Marks Kabaka Mutebi’s 33rd Coronation Anniversary at Watoto Church
+256 702 239 337: In his address, Katikkiro urged Ugandans to respect and preserve their culture. Among the traditions he referenced were the ceremonial placing of two symbolic sticks on the Queen's body as part of longstanding royal funeral customs and the ancient practice of informing the bees of the monarch's passing—a centuries-old belief held by some British royal households that bees should be formally notified whenever a sovereign dies.
UgandaToday: Faith, Culture and Service Unite as Buganda Marks Kabaka Mutebi’s 33rd Coronation Anniversary at Watoto Church
By UgandaToday Reporter
BWEYOGERERE, Wakiso – Faith, culture and public service converged on Friday, July 31, 2026, as thousands of Buganda Kingdom subjects, religious leaders, political leaders and invited guests gathered at Watoto Church, Bweyogerere, to commemorate the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The thanksgiving service marked a historic first, with Watoto Church becoming the first evangelical church to host the Kingdom’s annual coronation thanksgiving prayers—a reflection of Buganda’s long-standing commitment to religious inclusivity and peaceful coexistence among different faiths. The Kingdom has in recent years rotated the thanksgiving service among different places of worship, following celebrations previously hosted by Anglican and Muslim communities.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Fortitude as We Preserve Our Heritage,” challenging Baganda to remain steadfast in protecting their cultural identity while embracing development and unity.
Historic Gathering of Kingdom, Religious and Political Leaders
Among the notable attendees were Her Majesty the Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Watoto Church Team Leader Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, the Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, Buganda Kingdom ministers, county chiefs (Abamasaza), clan leaders, Members of Parliament, cabinet ministers, diplomats, religious leaders and development partners.
Although His Majesty the Kabaka did not attend the thanksgiving service, the gathering was held in honour of his 33 years on the throne and celebrated his enduring legacy of cultural stewardship and community development.
Members of Parliament from both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition political parties, alongside leaders from various religious denominations, underscoring the Kabaka’s unifying influence across Uganda’s political and religious divide.
Throughout the service, special prayers were offered for His Majesty the Kabaka, thanking God for his 33 years of leadership and seeking continued good health, wisdom and blessings upon his reign.
Watoto Church Donates US$10,000 Towards Floating Hospital
One of the highlights of the service came when Watoto Church announced a donation of US$10,000 (approximately UGX 36 million) towards Buganda Kingdom’s campaign to procure a floating boat hospital that will serve residents of the Ssese Islands.
The proposed medical vessel is expected to improve access to healthcare for thousands of island communities who often travel long distances across Lake Victoria to seek specialized treatment.
The contribution was widely applauded as a practical demonstration of faith in action, complementing Buganda Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to improve health services in hard-to-reach communities.
Observers described the donation as one of the most significant charitable gestures announced during this year’s coronation anniversary celebrations.
Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo Calls for Unity and Gratitude
Delivering his message, Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, expressed gratitude to the Buganda Kingdom for entrusting the church with hosting the historic thanksgiving service.
He noted that the occasion transcended denominational boundaries and demonstrated how faith communities can work together in promoting peace, unity and national transformation.
Rwotlonyo said the church was honoured to celebrate a monarch whose leadership continues to inspire millions of people within and beyond Buganda.
Earlier, while announcing the event, the pastor had described the opportunity as one that would “glorify God and honour the Kabaka and the people of Buganda.”
Mayiga Draws Lessons from Britain’s Royal Traditions
In one of the day’s most memorable addresses, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga challenged Ugandans to respect and preserve their cultural heritage, saying traditions should not be abandoned simply because societies become modern.
To illustrate his point, Mayiga cited the period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
He observed that despite Britain being one of the world’s most advanced nations, the country faithfully observed centuries-old royal customs and rituals.
Among the traditions he referenced were the ceremonial placing of two symbolic sticks on the Queen’s body as part of longstanding royal funeral customs and the ancient practice of informing the bees of the monarch’s passing—a centuries-old belief held by some British royal households that bees should be formally notified whenever a sovereign dies.
Mayiga said these examples demonstrate that developed nations continue to value and protect their cultural heritage, urging Baganda to do likewise.
He reminded the congregation that preserving Buganda’s language, customs, institutions and values is not an obstacle to development but rather an essential pillar of identity.
Celebrating Three Decades of Stewardship
Since ascending the throne on July 31, 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has overseen a period characterised by the revival of Buganda’s cultural institutions, promotion of education, healthcare initiatives, environmental conservation, youth empowerment and community mobilisation.
Through programmes such as Bulungi Bwansi, Tubeere Balamu, the Kabaka Birthday Run, and numerous health campaigns, the Kingdom has increasingly positioned itself as an active partner in Uganda’s social and economic development.
The annual coronation anniversary has therefore evolved beyond a ceremonial celebration into a platform for reflecting on service, unity and community transformation.
A Celebration Beyond Religion
Friday’s thanksgiving service also reinforced Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to interfaith harmony.
The decision to rotate annual thanksgiving celebrations among different religious communities reflects the Kabaka’s longstanding belief that while subjects may profess different faiths, they remain united under one cultural heritage.
That philosophy was evident throughout the service as Christian worship blended seamlessly with Buganda’s cultural symbolism, creating an atmosphere that celebrated both spiritual devotion and cultural pride.
As worshippers departed Watoto Church, many described the event as a reminder that faith, culture and service can coexist in building stronger communities.
Thirty-three years after his coronation, Kabaka Mutebi’s reign continues to inspire millions, not only through the preservation of Buganda’s heritage but also through initiatives that improve the lives of ordinary people across the Kingdom.
