The 70th birthday of His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda was commemorated with a Thanksgiving Mass at Rubaga Cathedral, officiated by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.
The ceremony was attended by the Naabagereka Sylvia Nagginda (Kabaka’s wife), government officials, traditional leaders, kingdom subjects, political leaders, and well-wishers, all gathered to honor a life described as “glorious and blessed with wisdom.”
Delivering the Kabaka’s message during the mass, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga conveyed the monarch’s heartfelt gratitude to his subjects for their steadfast prayers, especially during challenging times.
“His Majesty the Kabaka directed me to thank all of you for your constant prayers that have seen him through trying times,” the Katikkiro said, drawing loud applause from the congregation.
The Kabaka also extended appreciation to his medical teams in Uganda and abroad, recognizing their unwavering commitment to his well-being.
“The father directed me to appreciate his medical teams here and abroad for their constant care and attention,” Mayiga added.
Turning to the future of the kingdom, the Katikkiro reiterated the Kabaka’s vision to reposition Buganda at the forefront of social and economic well-being, rooted in cultural identity and unity.
“That vision is attainable,” Mayiga emphasized, “if we appreciate our cultural heritage, if we strive to attain a federal system of government, if we protect our lands and kingdom boundaries, if we work hard and remain united.”
Describing 70 as a “glorious age,” Mayiga noted that by this milestone, a person has gathered deep experience, interacted with countless people, and accumulated vast knowledge, echoing biblical references that revere the age of 70 as one of fulfillment and grace.
The Thanksgiving Mass was not only a celebration of life but also a reaffirmation of the Buganda Kingdom’s resilience, shared values, and the collective dreams of its people under the stewardship of their beloved monarch.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere expressed deep gratitude to the Lord for protecting and guiding the Kabaka throughout his life, describing 70 years as a glorious age in biblical terms.
“We thank God for the life of the Kabaka. Seventy years is indeed a glorious age, as the Bible reminds us,” the Archbishop said.
He went on to commend the Kabaka for his unwavering love and support for all religious denominations in Uganda, noting that this spirit of inclusivity is a legacy passed down from his grandfather, Ssekabaka Muteesa I.
“We thank the Kabaka for his love and support for all religions in Uganda, and for accommodating them within Buganda. This is exactly the same path your grandfather, Ssekabaka Muteesa I, walked,” Archbishop Ssemogerere stated.
The Archbishop also conveyed a special congratulatory message to the Kabaka from Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, who is set to celebrate his 99th birthday this year.
