Mayiga Urges Ugandans to Defend Cultural Identity as Buganda Marks 33rd Coronation Anniversary

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged Ugandans to firmly protect and preserve their cultural identity amid growing global influences, warning that no society should abandon its heritage in the name of modernity.

Speaking during the Buganda Kingdom’s annual coronation thanksgiving service at Watoto Church Central in Kampala, Mayiga said culture remains the foundation of a people’s dignity, history, and sense of belonging.

The service was part of activities marking the 33rd coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Fortitude as We Promote Our Cultural Values,” Mayiga said globalization increasingly pressures communities to abandon their traditions, languages, and beliefs in favor of a uniform global culture.

“Culture is a set of beliefs and values that define a people. Since the biblical era of the Tower of Babel, God ordained different languages, tribes, and communities. Therefore, being a Muganda, an Englishman, or any other nationality is a God-sanctioned occurrence, not an accident of history,” Mayiga said.

He added that globalization often encourages people to view their native languages and traditional ways of life as lacking universal relevance, stressing that societies must have the moral and intellectual strength to preserve what defines them.

To show that tradition can coexist with modernity, Mayiga cited cultural practices in the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, including the custom of informing the royal bees and the Broken Wand ceremony at St George’s Chapel.

“If the world considers the English modern, yet they carefully observe centuries-old traditions, then culture remains essential for every civilized society,” he said. “Modernity reflects current trends, but culture is rooted in a people’s enduring heritage.”

Mayiga also clarified that fortitude should not be mistaken for confrontation or hostility.

“Fortitude is not about physical fights, aggression, or political hostility. It means having unwavering belief in your values, the courage to speak the truth, and the commitment to education, spirituality, and understanding the world around us,” he explained.

In a speech delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, President Yoweri Museveni congratulated Kabaka Mutebi on his 33rd coronation anniversary and prayed for his continued good health and wisdom.

“I congratulate Your Majesty upon your 33rd Coronation Anniversary and thank Almighty God for the 33 years of your reign since your historic coronation at Naggalabi, Buddo in 1993,” Museveni said.

The President said the NRM government restored traditional institutions in 1993 to strengthen national unity and preserve Uganda’s cultural heritage.

“This restoration was guided by a shared vision between the NRM government and traditional institutions to preserve cultural heritage as a pillar of identity, morality, and social cohesion,” he said, adding that cultural institutions remain important partners in national development.

Museveni also commended the Buganda Kingdom for supporting public health campaigns, including HIV/AIDS awareness, maternal health initiatives, and poverty eradication efforts, saying these complement government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

To support the celebrations, the President contributed Shs40 million towards the coronation anniversary activities.