His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with a solemn thanksgiving mass held at Rubaga Cathedral.
The event drew a diverse congregation, including religious leaders, political figures, and members of the Buganda Kingdom, all gathered to honor the monarch’s milestone.
The mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, who led prayers and delivered a sermon emphasizing unity and gratitude. In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere lauded the Kabaka’s contributions to the cultural and social fabric of Uganda, urging citizens to emulate his commitment to peace and development.
Prominent attendees included the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and the Nnabagereka (Queen), Sylvia Nagginda Luswata. Opposition leaders Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and Mathias Mpuuga were also present, symbolizing a moment of political unity in celebration of the Kabaka’s life and reign.
During the ceremony, Archbishop Ssemogerere presented gifts to the Kabaka, which were received on his behalf by Katikkiro Mayiga. The Nnabagereka led the ceremonial cake-cutting, adding a festive touch to the occasion. The mass was attended by a wide array of faithful, reflecting the Kabaka’s broad appeal across different segments of Ugandan society.
During the Kabaka’s 70th birthday celebrations, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga emphasized the significance of the occasion in preserving Buganda’s heritage and traditions. He highlighted the Kabaka’s personal journey, noting that he was forced into exile at the age of 11 and never saw his father again. Mayiga stressed that the Kabaka’s birthday is one of the top three events in the Kingdom, serving as a unifying force for the Buganda people.
In addition to cultural reflections, the Katikkiro addressed pressing health concerns, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDS. He urged the Ugandan government to prioritize funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs, especially in light of the withdrawal of U.S. donor support, which previously covered a significant portion of the country’s HIV/AIDS funding.
Mayiga also called upon young people to take the lead in combating HIV/AIDS by adopting preventive measures such as condom use and male circumcision. He emphasized the need for individual and family-level savings to support those affected by the disease.
The Katikkiro commended Airtel Uganda for its continued sponsorship of the Kabaka Birthday Run, encouraging Ugandans to participate in the event. Proceeds from the run contribute to efforts aimed at reducing HIV infections and providing treatment for those already affected.
The thanksgiving mass is part of a series of events commemorating the Kabaka’s 70th birthday, which also included the annual Kabaka Birthday Run held on April 6, 2025. Despite inclement weather, thousands participated in the run, demonstrating their support for the Kabaka and the event’s health advocacy theme.
As the celebrations continue, the Kabaka’s birthday serves as a unifying occasion, bringing together people from various walks of life to honor a leader who has become a symbol of cultural pride and national unity.