Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has called on the people of Buganda to remain united and to safeguard their cultural heritage as the kingdom ushered in the New Year during the annual Nkuuka celebrations.
The Kabaka hailed the organisers of Nkuuka, one of the biggest annual cultural events organised by Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) FM, for sustaining an event that brings together people from across Buganda.
He also commended traditional wrestlers and winners of the Entanda ya Buganda, a competition aimed at promoting the Luganda language, saying such activities play a key role in fostering unity and strengthening cultural identity.
Reflecting on history, Kabaka Mutebi said that when colonialists first came to Buganda, they highly praised the kingdom’s norms, clan leadership structures and language, which he said demonstrated a high level of civilisation.
He urged his people to protect these values and pass them on to their children, emphasising that unity and civility remain the foundation of Buganda’s strength.
The Kabaka encouraged his people to remain resilient in the face of challenges, reminding them that coming together is itself a form of victory. He urged them not to lose hope, assuring them that the difficult circumstances they are currently facing will change if they remain steadfast to their shared cause.
He concluded his address by turning the symbolic key, marking the closure of the old year and the ushering in of the New Year.
Before inviting him to address his people, Buganda’s Prime Minister (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, thanked the Kabaka, the Nnabagereka(his wife) and other royals for accepting to celebrate the New Year with them. He prayed for God’s blessings upon the Kabaka and the entire kingdom, wishing them long life, prosperity and renewed strength in the year ahead.
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