Today in History: Buganda Crowns Kabaka Mutebi II After 27-Year Hiatus

What the report says

Nile Post, in a “Today in History” account, revisits the July 31, 1993 coronation of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II as the 36th Kabaka of Buganda at Naggalabi Hill in Buddo. The event ended a 27-year interruption of the Buganda monarchy, which had been abolished in 1966, and marked the formal return of one of Uganda’s most prominent traditional institutions.

According to the report, the coronation came after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government restored traditional and cultural institutions earlier in July 1993. The ceremony at the historic coronation site involved Buganda clan elders leading customary rites, the sounding of the royal drums known as Mujaguzo, and a Christian blessing, reflecting both cultural and religious elements associated with the kingdom.

The background to the restoration is rooted in Uganda’s 1966 political crisis. Nile Post notes that the Mengo palace was attacked, Kabaka Edward Muteesa II went into exile in the United Kingdom, and he died there in 1969. His son, Prince Mutebi, remained heir apparent for nearly three decades before taking the throne.

The report describes the 1993 occasion as a major moment in Uganda’s modern history, with large crowds travelling to and gathering around Buddo in celebration of Buganda’s cultural revival. It also notes that since his enthronement, Kabaka Mutebi II has been associated with initiatives in education, public health, youth empowerment and economic development.