The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the people of Buganda to steadfastly protect and uphold the tradition of the last funeral rites , describing it as a deeply meaningful cultural practice that must never be abandoned.
Mayiga said the tradition reflects the Baganda understanding of life and death, recognising that while death is inevitable, life must continue. He explained that the Last Funeral Rites were established to formally bring mourning to an end and to comfort the bereaved, particularly after an heir has been installed to carry forward the family lineage.
“Baganda know that death is part of life, but life must go on. That is why our ancestors established these rites to end mourning, stop the crying, and give hope to the family once an heir has been identified,” Mayiga said.
The Katikkiro made the remarks in Lungujja, Lubaga Division, while addressing members of the family of the late Fredrick Mpanga, following the installation of an heir to the late Joyce Mpanga.
Joyce Mpanga was a member of the Buganda Lukiiko and served on the committee tasked with demanding the return of the Kingdom’s assets from government. The heir, Margaret Nabitosi, was formally introduced during the ceremony.
Mayiga urged Nabitosi to preserve and sustain the legacy left behind by the deceased, encouraging her to “keep the light burning” and to defend and uphold the dignity of womanhood, a value he said the late Joyce Mpanga embodied throughout her life.
“She must protect the values and principles that the deceased stood for and continue to be a strong pillar for the family and the community,” Mayiga said.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering, including princes and princesses of the Buganda Kingdom, clan leaders, ministers in the Kabaka’s government, and other dignitaries from various sectors of society.
Mayiga emphasised that cultural traditions such as the last funeral rites play a vital role in preserving Buganda’s identity, strengthening family bonds, and providing structure and meaning during times of loss.
“Our customs guide us through life’s most difficult moments. We must protect them and pass them on to future generations,” he said.
The event served not only as a moment of remembrance for the late Joyce Mpanga, but also as a reaffirmation of Buganda’s enduring cultural values and the importance of continuity through tradition.