The Kabaka’s message was delivered by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, during celebrations marking 100 years since the completion of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, in 1925.
The grand centenary drew thousands of Catholic faithful, religious leaders from various denominations, government officials, President Museveni, and the Prime Minister of the Buganda Kingdom.
In his message, Kabaka Mutebi congratulated the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, the clergy, and all Christians upon reaching the milestone, praising the Church for a century of promoting faith, peace, and unity among Ugandans.
“We congratulate the Archbishop, the clergy, and all Christians upon reaching 100 years since the Church at Lubaga began its mission of teaching our people faith, peace, and unity,” the Kabaka said.
He reflected on the historic bond between the Buganda Kingdom and the Catholic Church, tracing it back to the reign of Ssekabaka Muteesa I, and emphasized the importance of preserving this relationship for future generations.
“Since the time of Ssekabaka Muteesa I, the Church and the Kingdom of Buganda have coexisted peacefully—working together and consulting one another for the wellbeing of our people.
"This cooperation has borne many fruits, including leaders who have served the Kingdom and our country with devotion. We wish to continue preserving this relationship,” his message read.
The Kabaka lauded the Church for its enduring contribution to national development through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and social institutions that have transformed communities across Uganda.
He also commended its moral courage in speaking out against social injustices and violations of human rights.
“Over the years, we have heard the Church courageously speak out against situations that oppress people—such as discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or political opinion. This courage to speak the truth, to defend human rights, to promote unity, and to uphold human dignity is commendable,” he stated.
The Kabaka urged Church leaders to continue guiding the youth and the wider public against manipulation by selfish politicians whose actions could endanger the country’s unity and stability.
He further called for a collective national effort toward open dialogue and constitutional reform to ensure equitable governance and resource distribution.
“The time has come for all of us to unite our voices and call upon our leaders and all Ugandans to engage in honest dialogue about the dissatisfaction that exists in leadership and in the unequal distribution of our nation’s wealth,” the Kabaka said.
“This should be done through reviewing the Constitution and other laws that govern our country. We have already begun this process and we ask everyone to join us in raising a united voice on this important matter.”
The Kabaka concluded by congratulating the Catholic Church and all faithful upon the centenary milestone and expressed gratitude to those who supported the restoration of Lubaga Cathedral, describing it as a landmark of faith, culture, and resilience.
“We pray that the relationship between the Church and the Kingdom of Buganda continues to grow stronger,” he said.
Built between 1914 and 1925, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, remains one of Uganda’s most revered religious monuments and serves as the seat of the Kampala Archdiocese. The centenary celebrations highlighted its enduring significance as a beacon of unity, faith, and national identity.
As the Cathedral’s bells rang to mark a century of spiritual service, messages from both Kabaka Mutebi and President Museveni echoed a shared call for faith-driven integrity, hard work, and unity—values that continue to shape Uganda’s journey of progress and peace.