Thousands of people Wednesday afternoon turned up to express their joy as the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, kicked off activities to mark the main celebrations of his 20th coronation anniversary.

The climax of the celebrations will be on Saturday with a grand party at Kabaka's main palace situated on Mengo Hill in Rubaga Division.

Accompanied by Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, their children Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo and Prince Jjunju Kiweewa, the Kabaka arrived at the Kabaka Anjagala Road at about 11:00am amidst ululations by his jubilant subjects.

He planted two trees along the road that stretches from Bulange, the seat of Buganda Kingdom, to his palace. The road has just been reconstructed by KCCA.

The Kabaka, accompanied among others by the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, Lubaga mayor Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo and Omutaka Ndugwa Ssemakula, then proceeded to the historic man-made Kabaka's Lake in Ndeeba.

Kabaka's entourage also included the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, Buganda ministers, MPs, clan leaders, Lukiiko MPs and leaders of Buganda counties.

The Kabaka, together with the Nnabagereka, sailed in a boat around the tiny lake that was dug during the reign of his great grandfather Ssekabaka Mwanga II in the 1890s.

The Kabaka then drove through queues of his enthusiastic subjects to the palace to tour and launch the Buganda Trade and Tourism Expo that has attracted hundreds of exhibitors.

At the Expo, the Kabaka was entertained by school children before he addressed the gathering. He said Buganda Kingdom is a major tourism destination which is strategically located in and around Uganda's capital city.

"This is the fifth time the kingdom is organising this event. Many of Uganda's major tourism sites are found in Buganda," the Kabaka said. He urged his subjects to take advantage of the opportunities created by the tourism sector.

The Kabaka who was in a jovial mood thanked Ssebugwawo and KCCA for repairing the Kabaka Anjagala Road.

Earlier, the Katikkiro called on Buganda's youth to support efforts being made by the kingdom to promote tourism in Buganda.

"Over the past 20 years, a firm foundation for the kingdom has been established by the Kabaka. It is now time for every Muganda to make a contribution towards the building of a glorious kingdom," Mayiga.

He thanked the Kabaka for leading the kingdom with courage amidst challenges.

Mayiga urged the young people to be at the forefront of building a new Buganda.