The Minister for Local Governments in Buganda Kingdom Joseph Kawuki has urged the Kabaka’s county chiefs to remain hardworking and committed while carrying out kingdom duties.
Kawuki made the remarks during the annual meeting of the Kabaka’s county chiefs held at Muganzirwazza in Katwe, Kyaddondo. The meeting serves as a platform for reflection, evaluation, and renewing strategies for improving service delivery within Buganda’s local administration structures.
The minister commended the chiefs for their continued efforts in mobilizing and supporting the Kabaka’s people. He reminded them of remarks made by Charles Peter Mayiga during the 2025 Local Governments Day celebrations in Busukuma, where the Katikkiro described county chiefs as the foundation of Buganda’s leadership structure.
“If Buganda is a house, then the county chiefs are the bricks that support it,” Kawuki recalled Mayiga saying.
He urged the chiefs to strengthen the kingdom and ensure that Buganda’s people continue to feel proud of their heritage and leadership.
Kawuki noted that the country has just emerged from an election period and said county chiefs are expected to help reconcile communities, especially in areas that experienced tension such as Butambala and Mawogola.
“The Kabaka’s people must reconcile and restore unity so that local government work continues smoothly,” he said.
The minister also cautioned chiefs against taking on all responsibilities alone. He advised them to delegate duties to deputies and committees, hold regular meetings, and ensure every committee member fulfills their obligations.
Using Katikkiro Mayiga’s leadership as an example, Kawuki explained that when Mayiga assumed office, he distributed responsibilities among ministers and introduced a clear strategic work plan. He said the approach has contributed significantly to the Katikkiro’s 13 years of successful leadership and the growth of Buganda’s budget from about sh 3.5 billion to over sh 30 billion.
Kawuki further encouraged county chiefs to mentor young people and prepare them for future leadership roles within the kingdom.
“Buganda of tomorrow depends on the youth understanding how the kingdom operates,” he said.
He also urged leaders to replace underperforming committee members through proper administrative procedures whenever necessary.
On the kingdom’s new “Situla Omutindo” initiative, Kawuki emphasized that improving standards and performance must begin with leaders themselves and spread from the grassroots upward.
“We must continue moving forward in everything we do. We do not want a leader who takes one step forward and then moves backward,” Kawuki said.
He pointed to the steady growth of the annual “Luwalo” fundraising campaign as an example of progress, noting that last year collections came close to sh. 2 billion.
The minister also challenged county chiefs whose areas perform poorly in Luwalo collections to improve their efforts, beautify county headquarters, and actively implement kingdom programs.
During the meeting, chiefs received presentations from various Buganda Kingdom institutions including Weerinde Insurance, Buganda Land Board, K2 Telecom, Namulondo Investments Ltd, Kabaka Foundation, and Kabaka Education Fund. The institutions encouraged the chiefs to mobilize Buganda’s people to embrace and utilize kingdom services.
Speaking on behalf of Buganda Land Board leadership, lawyer Denis Bugaya outlined the institution’s plans for protecting Buganda land and encouraged chiefs to consult the board on all land-related matters.
“Do not ignore land matters. Work together with the board to safeguard the Kabaka’s land,” Bugaya advised.
County chiefs were also encouraged to support the “Tubeere Balamu Insurance” health scheme and promote the initiatives of K2 Telecom, including encouraging people to shop through the “Kibuga Online” digital marketplace.
