Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has addressed Uganda’s growing political and social strain in his Christmas message.
In a statement released by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, as the country heads into the festive season and another election cycle, the Kabaka spoke out on electoral violence, money politics, food insecurity, and rising crime.
The Kabaka condemned reports of violence during political campaigns, citing incidents of beatings, blocked rallies, and intimidation of candidates. He said such actions violate both the law and fundamental rights.
“We appeal to the Electoral Commission not just to speak about these issues but also to support every candidate, without bias, to deliver their messages to voters freely, without obstruction or intimidation. We condemn these acts because they demonstrate neither integrity nor national progress,” the Kabaka said in a message written in Luganda.
On corruption, the Kabaka questioned the source of the large sums of money being spent by politicians during ongoing campaigns. He warned that excessive spending sidelines capable but less wealthy candidates and fuels corruption after elections, ultimately slowing national development.
He urged voters to choose leaders carefully. His message comes amid escalating reports of intimidation targeting opposition figures, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have documented hundreds of arrests, disrupted rallies, and cases of violence in 2025, echoing patterns seen during the 2021 election cycle.
As Buganda’s cultural leader—presiding over a region that forms a significant voting bloc and often leans opposition—the Kabaka’s words carry considerable weight, offering a critique of systemic issues without overt political partisanship.
Beyond politics, the Kabaka addressed environmental and economic challenges, pointing to unusually low rainfall in November and December, months typically associated with heavier precipitation.
He noted that the dry conditions have affected crop growth, particularly food crops such as beans and maize, which have suffered from prolonged sunshine.
In response to shifting seasonal patterns, he urged families to prioritise food storage, especially dry foods, and called on the government to support irrigation by reducing taxes on irrigation equipment.
Uganda has experienced erratic weather throughout 2025 due to climate change, resulting in crop failures and rising food prices.
The hardest-hit areas include the cattle corridor and Karamoja sub-region, where millions face acute food insecurity during the lean season.
The Kabaka also expressed concern over a disturbing rise in crime, particularly reports of missing children who never return home, often linked to brutal killings, including mutilation, as well as increasing nighttime gang attacks.
He urged families to remain vigilant and protect children, especially during the festive season when travel and social gatherings increase vulnerability, and called on security agencies to take stronger action.
Although ritual child sacrifice has plagued Uganda for years—often linked to superstitions surrounding wealth—recent cases have reignited public fear, with police reporting rescues and recoveries amid continued abductions.
The message comes as the Kabaka, who has faced health challenges in recent years and received treatment abroad in countries such as Namibia and Germany, continues his recovery. In his statement, he thanked his subjects and well-wishers for their prayers and support and expressed gratitude for his life.
“We thank you for the prayers, unity, and love you show us at all times. We also pray for you. We thank God for enabling us to reach the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the year 2025,” he stated in the opening message.
After periods of limited public appearances that sparked concern among his subjects, the Kabaka has recently re-emerged in public.
Notably, he attended and presented the trophy at the Buganda Masaza Cup final on November 1, 2025, at Nakivubo Stadium, where he waved enthusiastically to thousands. He has also been seen in various areas, including Bwaise, greeting supporters from his vehicle—signalling continued recovery and renewed engagement.
Kabaka Mutebi II, who has reigned as Buganda’s cultural leader since 1993, traditionally uses holiday messages to offer moral and cultural guidance on national issues affecting his people. His influence is rooted in Buganda’s historical, cultural, and demographic significance.
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