The message was delivered on his behalf by the Buganda Minister for Information, Mobilisation and Kingdom Spokesperson, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, during the presentation of an oluwaalo contribution collected from the counties of Butambala, Kyaggwe and Buddu at Bulange, Mengo, on Tuesday.
The three counties raised a combined Shs29.876 million in support of the Kingdom.
According to the Katikkiro, the appeal for reconciliation is rooted in a recent message by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II during Eid al-Adha celebrations, in which the monarch emphasised the importance of forgiveness and condemned political practices that fuel division.
“His Majesty the Kabaka, in his Eid al-Adha message, expressed joy for those who returned from pilgrimage and noted that developed nations prioritise forgiveness. He also condemned corruption and greed among modern-day politicians, urging them to emulate developed countries in how they conduct public affairs,” the message read.
The Katikkiro noted that elections often create divisions among communities and urged political leaders to place the national interest above personal and partisan differences.
Speaking at the event, Kazibwe highlighted coffee growing as one of the Kingdom's key development priorities and called on farmers to improve the quality of their produce by adhering to recommended agricultural practices.
He said value addition in coffee production enables farmers to earn higher incomes, which can improve access to healthcare, education, better housing and other socio-economic opportunities.
Kazibwe also informed attendees about preparations for the Kabaka's 33rd coronation anniversary celebrations, which will be held at Watoto Church. He urged the public to observe all planned arrangements and maintain the dignity of the Kingdom during the celebrations.
Representing the Minister for Local Government, Kingdom Tours and Buganda Affairs Abroad, Joseph Kawuki, the Chief of Butambala, Hajji Sulaiman Magala, praised efforts to involve young people in the oluwaalo programme.
He said exposing children to the initiative helps instill values of service and loyalty to the Kingdom from an early age.
Butambala County Member of Parliament Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi commended the Kingdom's development programmes, saying Buganda's leadership continues to provide guidance and direction to its subjects.
He pledged continued support for Kingdom initiatives, including the "Mwanyi Terimba" coffee value chain programme, which seeks to improve household incomes through coffee farming.
Sserunjogi also appealed to the Kingdom to facilitate dialogue among politicians from different political backgrounds to help resolve disputes and foster national development.
The event was attended by members of the Buganda Lukiiko, representatives from schools in the three counties, community groups and other Kingdom stakeholders.
Contributions received included Shs8.51 million from Butambala, Shs10.472 million from Buddu and Shs10.894 million from Kyaggwe, bringing the total oluwaalo contribution to Shs29.876 million.