By Jamirah Khassim
In a rare and poignant speech, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called for national unity and cultural preservation as he reflected on the 1966 Lubiri attack a violent military assault on the Buganda royal palace that remains one of Uganda’s most defining and divisive historical events.
Speaking during a cultural ceremony at the restored Lubiri Palace in Mengo, Kabaka Mutebi reminded Ugandans of the devastating events of May 1966, when government forces under then-Prime Minister Milton Obote stormed the palace, forcing his father, Kabaka Edward Mutesa II, into exile and temporarily abolishing the Buganda Kingdom.
“This place where we stand today was once a battlefield. But today, it must stand as a symbol of resilience, memory, and unity,” said Kabaka Mutebi. “We must learn from the past to ensure it does not repeat itself. Our history must unite us, not divide us.”
The attack, triggered by fierce political rivalry and a controversial referendum on the “lost counties” disputed areas between Buganda and Bunyoro sparked the infamous Mengo Crisis, and permanently altered the structure of Uganda’s politics and identity.
Historical records show that the tensions between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom were deeply rooted in colonial arrangements and post-independence power struggles. The palace lay in ruins for decades until its restoration in 1993, following the reestablishment of traditional kingdoms in Uganda.
Kabaka Mutebi’s remarks come at a time when federalism debates continue to shape Uganda’s political landscape, with cultural leaders increasingly calling for recognition of traditional institutions’ roles in governance and identity.
His speech echoed the principles of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which identifies monarchies as crucial bearers of collective memory and cultural continuity.
“Culture is not just about rituals. It is about who we are. We must preserve it for future generations,” the Kabaka said, applauding efforts by the Uganda Heritage Conservation Trust and other bodies dedicated to safeguarding cultural sites and traditions.
The restored Lubiri Palace now serves as both a cultural monument and a sobering reminder of the fragility of national unity. Kabaka Mutebi’s call for reflection and reconciliation was received with applause from thousands of subjects and dignitaries in attendance.
As Uganda continues to confront its past and chart a shared future, the Kabaka’s message is a powerful reminder: that healing can only come from truth, resilience, and a commitment to preserving identity without igniting division.