On April 13, 2026, the Uganda Orthodox Church hosted the main celebrations marking the 71st birthday of His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the reigning Kabaka (King) of the Kingdom of Buganda.
The event took place at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Namungoona, with Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, the Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda, presiding as the chief guest. She was accompanied by the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, along with other dignitaries from the Kingdom.
The delegation was warmly received by His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi of Kampala, who served as the host, alongside other hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in Uganda. These included His Grace Bishop Silvester Kisitu of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, His Grace Bishop Nektarios Kabuye of Gulu and Northern Uganda, and His Eminence Metropolitan Innocentios of Sozusa and Exarch of Mbarara and All Western Uganda.
The ceremony attracted thousands of attendees from across the Buganda Kingdom and beyond. Among those present were government officials, Orthodox faithful, and schoolchildren, reflecting the broad national significance of the occasion.
In his remarks, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, together with fellow hierarchs, expressed gratitude to His Majesty and the Buganda Kingdom for entrusting the Orthodox Church with organizing this year’s birthday celebrations. He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding cordial relationship with the Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Kabaka, the chief guest commended the Uganda Orthodox Church for organizing the event in a manner that glorified God and honored both the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda as a whole. Special recognition was given to institutions such as Holy Cross Mission Hospital in Kampala, as well as various philanthropic bodies of the Church and the faithful who contributed to the success of the celebration.
Held under the theme, “Ending HIV/AIDS by the year 2030,” the event also brought together religious leaders from different denominations. They encouraged continued efforts by the Kingdom to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and promote responsible practices to combat the disease.
Background: Buganda Kingdom and the Uganda Orthodox Church
The Uganda Orthodox Church and the Buganda Kingdom share a long-standing relationship characterized by mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Since its establishment in the early 20th century, the Orthodox Church has steadily grown within Buganda and expanded to other parts of Uganda.
The Buganda Kingdom, one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Uganda, traces its origins to the 14th century. According to oral tradition, it was founded by Kintu, its first Kabaka. Over time, Buganda developed into a powerful and centralized state, particularly during the 19th century under leaders such as Kabaka Mutesa I, extending its influence across the region and along Lake Victoria.
In 1894, Buganda became part of the British Protectorate of Uganda, maintaining limited autonomy under colonial administration. The kingdom was later abolished in 1966 by then-President Milton Obote but was restored in 1993 as a cultural institution. Today, it remains a vital symbol of heritage and identity under the leadership of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Historically, the predecessors of the current Kabaka played a significant role in the development of the Orthodox Church in Buganda, including donating land such as Namungoona, which now serves as the Church’s administrative headquarters in Uganda.
The Church has also honored this relationship through educational institutions named after Buganda’s former kings, including Chwa II Memorial College, located in Namungoona, Kampala.
