Ugandans have joined the Buganda Kingdom in celebrating Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 71st birthday, highlighting his humanitarian work, health initiatives, and the enduring loyalty of kingdom subjects who have served through decades of change.
Ugandans have joined in celebrating the 71st birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, praising his continued efforts to uplift the lives of vulnerable people through charitable initiatives.
Over the years, funds raised during his birthday celebrations have supported communities affected by diseases such as fistula, sickle cell disease, and more recently leprosy, making the annual events a symbol of compassion and service within the kingdom.
As part of this year’s celebrations, attention has also turned to individuals who have served the Buganda Kingdom with long-standing dedication, including 86-year-old Erick Naggenda of Katale in Wakiso District.
Naggenda, who began serving the kingdom in 1966 at the royal palace in Mengo, is widely recognised for his lifelong loyalty to the Kabaka.
He recalls the turbulent period of 1966 when forces loyal to then-Prime Minister Milton Obote attacked the palace of Kabaka Mutesa II, an event that led to widespread chaos and loss of life among palace staff.
“Everything was thrown into chaos. It was a very difficult time, and we lost many friends in that conflict,” he recalls.
Following the attack, Kabaka Mutesa II went into exile, while Prince Ronald Muwenda Mutebi—then only 11 years old—was also forced into exile. Years later, Mutebi returned and was eventually crowned Kabaka, a moment widely regarded as a turning point in restoring unity and stability within Buganda.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga has previously noted that the restoration of the monarchy played a significant role in stabilising the region and strengthening cultural identity.
Naggenda echoed this sentiment, attributing the current peace in Buganda to the Kabaka’s leadership.
“If it were not for him and the leadership in place, this era might not have survived,” he says.
Both Naggenda and kingdom leaders credit divine providence for the Kabaka’s life and reign, noting that his leadership has had a lasting impact on communities across Buganda.
In recent years, Kabaka Mutebi II’s birthday celebrations have also included health-focused initiatives such as marathons held across different regions.
Funds raised have supported women suffering from fistula, individuals battling sickle cell disease, and leprosy patients, reinforcing the monarch’s long-standing commitment to public health and social welfare.
