The Ssaabalangira of Buganda, Godfrey Musanje Kikulwe Ngobe, was on Thursday, February 6, 2026, laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kitegula village, Kasawo, Kyaggwe, Mukono District.
He passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after a prolonged battle with pneumonia.
Thousands of mourners from across Buganda and beyond attended the burial ceremony, reflecting the high regard in which he was held.
The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, served as the chief mourner and conveyed a message from Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Mayiga announced that the Kabaka had directed Prince Fred Ssande Kateregga, the former Deputy Ssaabalangira, to act in the position temporarily until a new Ssaabalangira is officially appointed and installed.
“Following the passing of Ssaabalangira Kikulwe, the Kabaka will in due course appoint a new Ssaabalangira and formally hand him the Ssegulirennume staff.
In the meantime, Prince Fred Ssande Kateregga will serve in the capacity of the Ssaabalangira.
The Kabaka instructed me to emphasize that there should be no conflict or rivalry; we shall await his official proclamation,” Mayiga said.
Tracing Buganda’s governance structure to the reign of Kabaka Kintu, Mayiga highlighted the kingdom’s three main lineages: the Royal Lineage (Olulyo Olulangira), from which the Kabaka originates; the Chiefs’ Lineage, led by the Katikkiro and comprising traditional and administrative chiefs; and the Clan Lineage (Abataka), which unites all Baganda under the Kabaka as their cultural head.
“Before Kabaka Kintu’s reign, every clan head exercised authority similar to a king. Through consensus and council deliberations, the centralized system was established, granting the Kabaka authority to appoint a Ssaabalangira," Mayiga explained.
"Ideally, the Kabaka himself would be Ssaabalangira, but he delegates this responsibility to oversee and guide the Royal Clan."
Paying tribute to the late Ssaabalangira, Mayiga described him as a humble, soft-spoken, and deeply thoughtful leader who embodied dignity through service rather than position.
“Many people think respect comes from the position one holds, but that is not true. Respect comes from how one executes the responsibilities of that position. Ssaabalangira Musanje embodied true dignity,” he said.
Mayiga praised Kikulwe for his loyalty to the Kabaka and the Kingdom of Buganda, noting his commitment to unity within the Royal Clan, collaboration with Butikkiro, and professionalism in his medical career.
“He served the Kabaka and Buganda with distinction. He worked tirelessly to keep the Royal Clan united, collaborated closely with Butikkiro, and carried out his duties as a medical professional with excellence. We shall miss him greatly,” Mayiga said.
Condolences were extended to the bereaved family, and the Katikkiro encouraged the children of the late Ssaabalangira to uphold the strong moral values and discipline he instilled.
He also acknowledged the support given to Kikulwe during his 11 years of service, as well as the medical teams who cared for him during his illness.
The burial was attended by Princes and Princesses, the Kabaka’s siblings, senior and junior chiefs, religious leaders, government officials, and numerous friends and well-wishers, reflecting the enduring legacy of the late Ssaabalangira in Buganda society.
