Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi celebrates his 65 birthday in lockdown
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi 11 today 13th, April 2020, celebrated his 65 birthday. However, it was a silent celebration because of COVID-19 which does not permit people to congregate to prevent its spread.
This follows the suspension of the Kabaka’s birthday run which was to happen on 5th, April 2020, also because of coronavirus pandemic.
Katikiiro of Buganda Owek Charles Peter Mayiga while addressing the media congratulated the Kabaka upon getting to the age of 65 and thanked God for enabling him to accomplish his achievement in the 27 years of his reign.
“Today the 13th of April marks the 65th birthday of his majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. On behalf of the Kabaka’s government and the people of Buganda and behalf of my family, I send congratulations to Ssabasajja Kabaka upon getting to the age of 65. We thank God for the protection he has given our king all these 65 years, we thank God for the wisdom he bestowed upon our King which has enabled him to initiate programs for the benefit of his people,” Mayiga said.
“I believe we are all aware of the education programs, of the health programs, youth programs, agriculture programs and other development matters for the people of the Kingdom of Buganda. We thank God for the wisdom he has bestowed upon him that has enabled him to accomplish those achievements in the 27 years he has reigned as King of Buganda,” he added.
In honour, of Kabaka’s birthday, the Katikiiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga urged the public to wear their Kabaka birthday run jerseys to recognize the day.
Mayiga adds that the Kabaka’s Birthday Run which was to happen on 5th April didn’t happen because of COVID-19 but after the pandemic, the Kabaka shall appear to flag off the run and the country shall have the marathon.
“As you know we should have had the Kabaka’s birthday run last Sunday on Palm Sunday, but that was impossible because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the Kabaka will come at an appropriate date and flags off and we run and the theme this year is the fight against HIV/AIDS and we want this to be spearheaded by men, because if men can be in the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS, they protect their mothers, their daughters, ultimately, we shall be able to have an HIV free community soon,” Mayiga said.
“As for today, I call upon those who have bought the Kabaka’s birthday run kits; to put on the jerseys and those who haven’t bought they but have those for previous years to do so. And as we do that, we place our King in our hearts, we pray for the Kingdom, we pray for the country, and also we focus all tension on the fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge you after dressing in the birthday kit, to take pictures which you are going to post on your social media platforms so that the message can go out telling the world that you are determined to kick HIV/AIDS out of Buganda and out of Uganda,” he added.
Mayiga then asked Ugandans to pray for the Kabaka, Buganda Kingdom and the country in particular during this trying time.
“Yesterday the Archbishop of Kampala offered special prayers for the Kabaka. Other religious leaders have offered prayers as well. May God protects you all,” he said.
Among the people who posted on their social media platforms wishing Kabaka a happy birthday is Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Kyadondo East legislator and People Power leader.
“A very happy birthday to His Royal Majesty Ssabasajja Ronald Muwenda Mutebi 11, the Kabaka of Buganda. Today we cannot celebrate your birthday like we normally do, but we continue to pray for good health and long life. Wangaala ayi Beene,” Bobi Wine’s post stated.
Further, Mayiga asked the public to comply with the directives issued by the Ministry of Health and government, behave to survive this difficult time.
“On Saturday, Ssabasajja Kabaka stated the coronavirus pandemic, in his message he urged us to comply with the directives issued by the health officials and the directives issued by the authorities. Here I want to reiterate the key components of his speech, we’re required to stay home, we understand how difficult this can be, but it’s for our safety. We are required not to touch our eyes, our nose, our mouth, we’re required to be clean in all aspects in our homes, in our communities and our workplaces, we’re required to wash our hands with soap as many times as possible,” Mayiga said.
