On July 31, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Kabaka of Buganda, marked 27 years on the throne with a colourful ceremony at Lubiri, Mengo.
In his speech, Kabaka urged the public to adhere to the strict standard operating procedures on Covid-19. He also reiterated Buganda’s drive to combat HIV/Aids and reignited Buganda’s push for economic empowerment to stave off poverty.
Here is the translated speech in full:
I thank God who has brought us this far now that we celebrate 27 years since the coronation. It has not been a smooth ride but I take pride in the people of Buganda who have walked the journey with patience, courage and love.
I also recognize the service rendered by our people, usually on a voluntary basis, sacrificing energy, time and money with a sole aim of developing the kingdom. Thank you very much.
This year’s cerebration have found us in a fight against Covid-19. This deadly pandemic has, for the first time, curtailed us from holding massive cerebration but I’m sure that the people of Buganda are celebrating wherever they are.
On Covid-19, God has been good to Uganda but many countries across the world have lost thousands of people. I therefore call upon Ugandans to continue being vigilant by following all precautionary measures as advised by the government.
I would like to thank all frontline workers in the fight against Covid-19, including medical personnel at all levels, as well as people who have donated relief items and money to the cause. I urge all chiefs to embark on a door-to-door campaign to sensitize our people about prevention against this pandemic.
However, we should not forget another disease we have battled for many years, which is HIV/Aids. Since the coming of Covid-19, there has been some laxity when it comes to HIV prevention.
For instance, I have been informed that the number of people going for HIV/Aids tests has drastically reduced while many people have missed out on their routine antiretroviral medicine, causing a resurgence of the virus.
So, I task clan heads to revive the campaign of HIV/Aids awareness and sensitization to reduce its spread and also ensure clan members are free from the disease.
I continue to urge all responsible parties, especially government, to ensure that Covid-19 does not render the fight against other diseases irrelevant because they are also killing our people and have done so for a very long time.
SECURITY
Security operatives from various government agencies have played a role in the fight against Covid-19 by enforcing government recommendations and regulations.
However, on many occasions, we have witnessed some of the security operatives using excessive force, which has led to grave injuries and, in some instances, loss of lives.
Every person has fundamental rights. If an individual does not follow regulations, they should be taken to court and charged and, if found guilty, be punished according to the law. It is, however, wrong for a security operative to start meting out punishments, including death, without taking culprits to court.
I also urge Ugandans, especially the youth, not to lose hope in the current situation when the country is ravaged by poverty. I condole with the family and friends of a young man called Walugembe who burnt himself to death at Masaka police station.
Walugembe’s act is representative of a hopeless generation. I have consistently said Omulembe Omutebi is dedicated to the youth; I will give my all to ensure that the youths don’t lose hope.
From time immemorial, the kingdom has always encouraged people to be very hardworking. This is the reason cotton and coffee were in abundance here in Buganda.
It is unfortunate that this culture has dwindled over the past years mainly because as a kingdom, we don’t have power. This is a very important aspect as we strive to rejuvenate Buganda’s economic independence.
I believe that economics and politics can work hand in hand and for Buganda to restore its lost glory, we must look into this fact critically. I want to once again thank everyone that has offered voluntary and selfless service to the prosperity of the kingdom because a lost culture is a lost generation.
I thank everyone that has brought us gifts and those that have entertained us.
Thank you for listening.