The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged Buganda chiefs, who oversee the king’s subjects at village level, to continue strengthening their role in community leadership.
He commended the chiefs for their service among the Kabaka’s subjects, arguing that they play a central role in building Buganda and reinforcing decentralized governance structures.
Speaking during an engagement held at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo on Thursday, Katikkiro Mayiga outlined the importance of effective local leadership in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Kingdom’s administrative system.
“A chief of the Kabaka must not be lazy. Those of us who sit here at higher levels may work well, but if the local chiefs do not perform well, the work cannot progress. The chief is the foundation of leadership because he directly lives among the people at the village level. He understands the farmer, the sick, the herder, and all categories of people,” he said.
“Therefore, I want Buganda to understand the importance of the chief because he is the foundation upon which the Kingdom’s leadership is built.”
Katikkiro Mayiga explained that since leadership in Buganda begins at the level of the local chief, each chief must reflect a positive image in their community.
He outlined seven key qualities expected of every chief:
1. A chief must be hardworking; a Kabaka’s representative must never be lazy or idle.
2. A chief must be respectful and well-behaved in both words and actions.
3. A chief’s home must reflect peace and freedom, without conflict of any kind.
4. A chief must be accessible so that people can reach them with their concerns.
5. A chief must stand with people in both joy and sorrow.
6. A chief must maintain dignity in dress and conduct, avoiding behaviour that brings ridicule.
7. A chief must unite all people in their area, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Katikkiro Mayiga urged the chiefs to reflect deeply on these principles, noting that their behaviour directly influences how they are respected and how effectively they can lead.
He also reminded them of the leadership structure within Buganda, explaining that guidance flows through a clear hierarchy: from village level to sub-county, then county level, followed by ministers, the Katikkiro, and ultimately the Kabaka. He noted that this system is rooted in the traditional governance structure established by the ancestors.
Katikkiro Mayiga further emphasized the importance of the “Situla Omutindo” programme, urging chiefs to implement it among all of the Kabaka’s subjects and to embrace innovation, transparency, and diligence in their service.
“Serving the Kabaka is our responsibility because Buganda is where we serve, and it is ours. However, understanding that responsibility is not a gift everyone automatically has. I thank you, the Kabaka’s servants, for joining the journey of restoring Buganda to its peak,” he said.
The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs, Joseph Kawuki, encouraged chiefs to ensure that all official information from the Kingdom is properly communicated to the people. He noted that this would reduce the spread of misinformation and help counter those who distort messages about Buganda.
He added that with enemies of Buganda constantly active, accurate communication would help strengthen the Kingdom and ensure misinformation is defeated.
Kawuki also urged the chiefs to serve with honesty and integrity, stressing that trust from the people would enable them to fulfill their responsibilities more effectively.
The meeting was attended by various county ministers, and different categories of chiefs, including those recognized for mobilizing tribute contributions, youth chiefs, leaders of areas hosting key Buganda heritage assets, among others.