The Buganda Kingdom has officially launched a committee to organize celebrations marking the 71st birthday of the Kabaka, scheduled for April 13, 2026.
While launching the committee, the kingdom leadership emphasized that celebrating the Kabaka's birthday is an important cultural event that strengthens the traditions and heritage of Buganda.
It was also revealed that His Majesty the Kabaka has entrusted the Orthodox Church of Uganda to lead the main preparations and prayers for the celebrations.
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Every year on April 13, the people of Buganda celebrate the birthday of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. And this year, the Kabaka will celebrate 71 years, with the celebrations taking place on April 13, 2026.
As part of the preparations, the Buganda Kingdom has established a committee that will oversee the major activities for the celebrations.
Today Buganda Kingdom has Launched a committee which is going to prepare the Kabaka's Birthday celebrations and this comittee was officially launched by the First Deputy Katikkiro and also in charge of administration in the kingdom, Hajji Twaha Kawaase Kigongo, who represented the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, at the launch event held at Bulange Mengo.
The committee is chaired by Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, the minister responsible for education and human development in the Buganda Kingdom. She will be deputized by Israel Kitooke, the minister responsible for information and mobilization.
Other members of the committee include Noah Kiyimba, the Kabaka's cabinet minister responsible for protocol and guests; Robert Serwanga, the minister responsible for sports and talent development; and Joseph Kawuki, the minister responsible for local governments, among others.
While launching the committee, Hajji Twaha Kawaase Kigongo emphasized the cultural importance of the celebrations.
"Whenever Buganda celebrates the Kabaka's birthday, we reaffirm the strength of our culture and traditions as Baganda," Kawaase said.
Kawaase added that the celebrations also reflect the Kabaka's continued commitment to the welfare and development of his people.
"Celebrating the Kabaka's birthday is also a way of appreciating His Majesty's dedication to the development and wellbeing of his subjects, while strengthening the unity between the Kabaka and his people," he said.
The annual celebration also aims to strengthen cooperation between the Buganda Kingdom and various religious institutions in the region, which play a key role in praying for the stability and prosperity of Buganda.
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This year, the Kabaka chose the Orthodox Church of Uganda in Namungoona to lead the main thanksgiving and prayer celebrations for his birthday. The kingdom leadership commended the strong relationship between Buganda Kingdom and the Orthodox Church.
The chairperson of the organizing committee, Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, thanked the kingdom for entrusting them with the responsibility of organizing the celebrations.
"We appreciate the trust that the kingdom has given us, and we pledge to organize dignified celebrations worthy of our Kabaka," Nakate said.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Katamba, representing the Orthodox community, expressed gratitude to the Kabaka for choosing their church to lead the celebrations.
"We are very grateful and honored that His Majesty the Kabaka has chosen the Orthodox Church to lead the celebrations of his birthday this year," Katamba said.
Before the main celebrations, there will be Kabaka's birthday run scheduled for April 12, 2026. The run will also serve as the official kickoff activity for the Kabaka's birthday celebrations, and Kawaase appealed all Kabakas subjects to participate in it
"I call upon all the people of Buganda to actively participate in these activities as we celebrate our Kabaka," Kawaase urged.
The birthday of the Kabaka is one of the three major annual events in the Buganda Kingdom calendar
