KAMPALA – Thirty-two years after ascending the throne, Kabaka Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II presides over Buganda Kingdom with an unyielding crown, a powerful symbol of resilience forged through a tumultuous personal history of exile, the restoration of a monarchy, and relentless political and cultural challenges. His enduring reign is not merely a milestone but a testament to a steadfast leadership that has redefined the role of traditional authority in modern Uganda.
Born on April 13, 1955, in Kampala, Kabaka Mutebi, the 36th King of Buganda, inherited a complex legacy that would profoundly shape his rule. At just 11 years old, the young prince was thrust into exile following the 1966 crisis, when the national army under then-Prime Minister Milton Obote overran Buganda and abolished traditional monarchies. The experience of fleeing his homeland, accompanying his father Ssekabaka Mutesa II, marked the beginning of a long period abroad.
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Educated at King’s Mead School, Bradfield College, and Cambridge University where he studied Law and Social Anthropology, the future Kabaka was meticulously prepared not merely for ceremonial duties but as a resolute custodian of culture and unity.
His long-awaited return materialized in 1993, when the Ugandan government, under President Yoweri Museveni, restored traditional kingdoms. On July 31, Prince Muwenda was crowned Kabaka of Buganda at Naggalabi Buddo, ending nearly three decades without a reigning monarch. This coronation transcended mere symbolism; it was the definitive resurrection of a historic kingdom. Although the Kabaka returned without executive political power, his role as a cultural and spiritual leader became immediately undisputed. From the outset, his reign, often referred to as the Omulembe Omutebi, emphasized rigorous cultural revival, the re-establishment of clan organization, and the fervent preservation of the Luganda language. He reinstated the Lukiiko (Buganda Parliament), positioning the kingdom as a pivotal model of traditional leadership thriving within a modern Ugandan state.
Kabaka Mutebi’s 32-year tenure has seen a profound focus on development deeply anchored in cultural identity. Through the Buganda government, he has driven initiatives across health, education, land rights, and economic empowerment. The widely popular Kabaka’s Birthday Run annually mobilizes tens of thousands, raising significant funds for critical health causes such as HIV/Aids and sickle cell awareness. His patronage transformed the Masaza Cup into a unifying cultural and sporting spectacle across Uganda. The establishment of Muteesa I Royal University, named after his esteemed ancestor, further cemented his educational vision. Throughout his rule, he has consistently advocated for unity and peaceful coexistence among Uganda’s diverse communities.
Yet, the “unyielding crown” has been repeatedly tested by significant friction, particularly with the central government. Disputes over ancestral land ownership, persistent demands for federalism, and regional autonomy movements have posed recurring challenges. A severe confrontation erupted in 2009 when security forces controversially blocked the Kabaka’s planned visit to Kayunga, an area with a group disputing Buganda’s traditional authority. The ensuing violent riots led to fatalities and the temporary suspension of CBS Radio, a Buganda-owned station, for alleged incitement.
Further national sorrow struck in 2010 when a devastating fire consumed the revered Kasubi Tombs, the sacred burial site of Buganda’s kings. The Kabaka, visibly shaken, displayed a rare public show of emotion, shedding tears. The incident was widely seen as an assault not merely on cultural heritage but on the very identity of Buganda. Beyond external pressures, internal tensions also arose, with areas such as Buluuli and Bunyala demanding greater autonomy. His planned visit to Buluuli in 2007 was canceled due to security concerns, prompting a special Lukiiko session on Oct. 27 to address these burgeoning internal resistances.
Despite these profound trials, Kabaka Mutebi has maintained a remarkably calm and tactful demeanor. He has consistently championed constitutionalism and cautioned politicians against manipulating national laws for personal gain. At his 15th coronation anniversary in 2008, he delivered a poignant reminder to leaders to honor the true spirit of the constitution, a principle that continues to define his steadfast and enduring reign.
