The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has extended Christmas greetings to the people of Buganda, urging them to embrace unity, responsibility, and reflection as they heed the Christmas and New Year 2026 message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Speaking after attending Christmas Mass at Lubaga Cathedral, Katikkiro Mayiga called on the people of Buganda to internalise and put into practice the key messages delivered by the Kabaka.
He emphasised the need for security agencies to respect and protect human rights, noting that peace and stability are best sustained when citizens feel safe under the protection of those mandated to enforce the law.
He also underscored the importance of integrity in the electoral process, appealing to the Electoral Commission to discharge its duties with honesty and fairness.
At the same time, the Katikkiro urged citizens to vote wisely and cautioned against the growing influence of money in elections, warning that it undermines democracy and good governance.
On food security, Katikkiro Mayiga reminded the people of Buganda to prepare for the effects of reduced rainfall by storing food and adopting sustainable farming practices.
He encouraged farmers to embrace irrigation as a reliable means of supporting crop production and protecting household incomes amid changing weather patterns.
The Katikkiro further condemned the vice of child sacrifice, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
He urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the safety of children, emphasising that protecting young lives begins at home.
He thanked the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, for leading the Christmas Mass and urged Christians to celebrate the festive season responsibly. Katikkiro Mayiga reminded the faithful that life is precious and cautioned against reckless behaviour and accidents during the celebrations.
Reflecting on the year 2025, the Katikkiro described it as productive for the Buganda Kingdom, citing milestones such as the opening of health centres, the establishment of nursery schools, increased participation in coffee farming, and the completion of the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs.
He called on the people of Buganda to maintain unity and cooperation as efforts continue to strengthen the kingdom.
In his homily, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere warned parents about the dangers of unrestricted internet access for children, advising them to closely monitor online activities to prevent exposure to harmful content that can lead to negative behaviour and moral decline.
Representing the central government, the Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, commended the Archbishop for his strong message on child protection.
He urged parents to remain vigilant during the holiday season and encouraged citizens to use the Christmas period to promote peace and harmony.
He also appealed to the public to refrain from actions that could destabilise the country as Uganda approaches an election period, stressing the importance of peace, freedom, and national unity.
The Christmas Mass at Lubaga Cathedral attracted a large congregation of Christian faithful and was attended by members of the royal family and national leaders, including Prince David Kintu Wasajja, Princess Marion Nankya, former Katikkiro Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, presidential aspirant Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and his wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi, Kabaka’s chiefs at various levels, and other distinguished guests.