The Buganda Kingdom’s 33rd coronation anniversary was marked with celebration, prayer, and reflection at Watoto Church, Bweyogerere Campus, but one thing stood out throughout the day—the absence of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Unlike previous years when concerns over his health dominated public discussion, the Kabaka was reportedly in Kampala on the day of the celebrations. Yet he did not attend the event in person, nor was an official message from him read to the gathering, leaving many of his subjects wondering why.
According to our sources, citing sources familiar with developments at Mengo, the Kabaka spent the day at his palace and did not participate in the coronation anniversary activities. The reports further claim that no official speech was sent to be delivered on his behalf during the celebrations.
The latest absence marks the third consecutive coronation anniversary at which the Kabaka has not physically attended the celebrations. His previous absences came during a period when he had significantly reduced his public appearances following medical treatment abroad. This year’s absence has drawn particular attention because it has been widely reported that he was in Kampala on the day of the event.
The the Kabaka chose not to attend the ceremony broadcaster’s sources further that he was unwilling to attend an event where Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga would play a central role. These claims remain unverified, and neither the Kabaka nor the Buganda Kingdom has publicly commented on them.
Despite the King’s absence, the anniversary celebrations went ahead as planned, with religious leaders, kingdom officials, cultural leaders, and thousands of Buganda subjects gathering to commemorate the 33 years since Kabaka Mutebi was crowned.
As speculation continues to grow, many kingdom subjects are now looking to Mengo for an official explanation. Until then, the reasons behind the Kabaka’s decision not to attend remain the subject of public discussion rather than official confirmation.
