The Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has hailed the President and his Cabinet for ordering the release of a 54-year-old Rolls-Royce Phantom IV gifted to Kabaka on Sunday.
It was all jubilation as Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II received the fully refurbished car that was released to the Kingdom in 2020, from the National Museum.
The vintage car was previously used by the late Sir Edward Muteesa II, as the first President of Uganda, until 1966 when it was high jacked from him by the Milton Obote government.
During the attack on Mengo Palace by Obote’s army,several items were seize, including four Rolls Royces. However, only one Rolls Royce was found and kept at the State House until 2013 when it was taken to the Uganda Museum.
He went on to appreciate the President.
“We thank President Museveni and his cabinet for sitting, deliberating and allowing having the vehicle returned to Buganda.”
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga als said the car was ready to be handed to the Kabaka.
““I want to inform you(Kabaka) that the vehicle was refurbished as is now in good working condition , just like it was during Muteesa’s time. This vehicle exudes class,”Katikkiro Mayiga said.
The Phantom IV is a British automobile produced by Rolls-Royce. Only eighteen were made between 1950 and 1956. They were only built for buyers whom Rolls-Royce considered worthy of the distinction: the British Royal Family and heads of state.
Whereas Buganda had hoped to fly the vintage car to England at the Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd in West Sussex, this process would cost not less than £400,000(approximately shs1.7 billion).