For over two decades after Uganda’s kingdoms were abolished in 1966, Buganda had no reigning monarch. But on July 31, 1993, history was made when Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was enthroned as the 36th Kabaka of Buganda—restoring the monarchy and etching that date permanently into the hearts of many Baganda.
The coronation at Naggalabi Buddo marked the culmination of rituals, customs, and traditions performed over generations for each of Buganda’s 35 previous kings.
Today, 32 years later, the Kingdom looks back on that moment with reverence and pride.
Unlike previous ascensions, Kabaka Mutebi’s path was shaped by exile and secrecy. While in exile with his father, Ssekabaka Edward Mutesa II, his mother Kabejja Kisosonkole became pregnant.
Mutesa insisted she return to Buganda so the child—his heir—would be born on native soil. Only a few of his closest confidants knew that this child, Mutebi, was destined for the throne.
In Buganda tradition, a prince (Mulangira) is often chosen from among the Kabaka’s sons, sometimes by the king himself. A key sign is the prince who covers the deceased king’s face, symbolically marking him as the successor.
But with Mutebi, born in exile, this symbolic act was replaced by fate and history.
Naggalabi, perched atop Buddo Hill, transformed into a beehive of cultural activity on coronation day. Emmanuel Ssemanda, the deputy to Ssemanobe—the traditional chief of security at Naggalabi—recalls the moment vividly.
“Many people came to witness this historic moment,” he says. “Most of the infrastructure that day, I personally helped set up.”
Before ascending to the throne, the prince must visit Kabowa, where the palace of two sacred drums is located. There, he tightens the strings of Kawulugumo, the royal drum, and Namanyonyi, its symbolic ‘wife’.
“Kawulugumo is the Mujjaguzo—the royal drum sounded only for kings,” explains Buganda historian Shafick Ntale. “The prince greets it by gently striking it because it is considered a king in its own right.”
From Kabowa, the prince proceeds to face the symbolic battle of Lwe Birumbirumbi against Ssemanobe at Naggalabi. This ceremonial clash—won only by the rightful heir—grants access to the sacred hill and signals the beginning of his reign.
The Final Rite
The prince begins at Bwanika’s House, where his symbolic tears are wiped away in a farewell to the fallen king. He then proceeds to Nakibuuka’s House, where Nankere of the Mmamba clan (Kakoboza) crowns him with the royal crown, Enguugu.
Thereafter, he is dressed in layers of barkcloth, each with symbolic meaning, before sitting on the throne known as Namulondo—the seat of Buganda’s kingship.
As tradition demands, elder Kasujju Lubinga announces the king’s readiness using a leopard hide. “With this hide, he becomes king and judge,” says Ntale.
“He is also given a ring, symbolizing a marriage between the Kabaka and Buganda—an unbreakable bond.”
After the coronation, the Mbogo (Buffalo) clan, led by elder Kayima, begins the king’s purification rites, initiating his formal acceptance by the kingdom.
“All of this was done for Kabaka Mutebi,” Ssemanda recalls. “It was a beautiful day, one we had waited for many years.”
Once enthroned, no other prince may set foot on Naggalabi Hill. “If a prince dares return there after a coronation, it is considered treason punishable by death,” Ntale notes. “Only the reigning king may go—and only once.”
Now, 32 years into his reign, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II continues to champion unity, education, health, and agriculture, particularly among the youth.
His leadership has emphasized stability not just for Buganda, but for the entire country.
As the Kingdom celebrates this milestone, Buganda reflects not only on a day of ritual and glory, but on a king whose reign has bridged past and future, exile and homecoming, tradition and modernity.