The Orthodox Church in Uganda has launched an organizing committee to spearhead preparations for the 71st birthday celebrations of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom.
The committee was unveiled by the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, Jeronimos Muzeeyi, during a ceremony held at the church’s headquarters in Namungoona.
Speaking at the event, Archbishop Muzeeyi thanked the Buganda Kingdom for entrusting the Orthodox Church with the responsibility of organizing this year’s royal birthday celebrations.
He pledged that the church would ensure the event is conducted in a dignified and well-organized manner.
“The Buganda Kingdom holds a very special place in the Orthodox faith here in Uganda. Being entrusted with the responsibility to organize the Kabaka’s birthday celebrations is an honor for us, and we shall do everything possible to ensure that the event reflects the dignity and importance of this occasion,” Muzeeyi said.
In Buganda, it is a long-standing tradition for the Kabaka’s birthday to be marked with prayers organized by different religious institutions, reflecting the kingdom’s close relationship with faith communities.
Each year, the monarch selects a religious denomination to host the official prayers commemorating the occasion.
This year, Kabaka Mutebi chose the Orthodox Church to lead the prayers and celebrations, which will take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Namungoona on April 13.
Archbishop Muzeeyi also expressed appreciation to the kingdom for entrusting him with a leading role in organizing the celebrations.
“I thank the Buganda Kingdom for the trust they have placed in us. We shall work together with all stakeholders to ensure that the Kabaka’s birthday is celebrated in a way that brings pride to the kingdom,” he said.
The chairperson of the organizing committee, Father Bossa, said preparations for the event had already begun, noting that the committee is working closely with the kingdom and other partners to ensure the success of the celebrations.
“Preparations started earlier, and we are working closely with the kingdom and other partners to ensure that everything is in place for the celebrations,” Father Bossa said.
His deputy, Theodore Ssekikubo, said the committee’s goal is to ensure the event reflects the significance of the Kabaka and promotes unity among the people of Buganda.
“Our goal is to make sure that this day reflects the significance of the Kabaka and the unity of the people of Buganda,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chulu Rambout, who has been assigned by the Buganda Kingdom to coordinate the celebrations, said the kingdom will work closely with the Orthodox Church and other partners to ensure the event is well organized.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will celebrate his 71st birthday on April 13 at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Namungoona, where religious leaders, kingdom officials, and members of the public are expected to gather for prayers and celebrations honoring the monarch.
