Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II is Pleased with Kingdom’s Progress
MENGO – The Prime Minister (Katikkiro) of the Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has stated that Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II is pleased with the kingdom’s progress. Despite facing health challenges since last year, which have prevented him from attending events this year, the Kabaka remains in good spirits.
Kabaka’s Health and Recovery
Speaking during the reading of the kingdom’s budget for 2024/25 at Bulange in Mengo, Kampala on Monday, June 24, Mayiga shared that he spoke with the Kabaka on Sunday, June 23. He confirmed that the Kabaka is steadily recovering. “Last evening at 6:00 pm, I spoke to Kabaka on the phone. He is happy that the kingdom’s activities are going well. He told me to inform you that he is happy because of your resilience which has ensured the progress of the kingdom’s activities,” Mayiga said.
Warning Against Opportunists
Mayiga warned against those he referred to as opportunists, who are using the Kabaka’s health situation for their selfish interests. “I am exceedingly happy to inform you that the Kabaka is still alive and on the throne. He is in Namibia on the recommendation of his doctors in Germany as they monitor his recovery. He will come back when his doctors tell him to do so and even when he feels ready,” Mayiga emphasized.
He noted that the Kabaka is pleased that his subjects have not been misled by those trying to exploit his health situation. “We have opportunists who think that the Kabaka’s health situation will help them achieve their selfish interests. When they see the Kabaka is here, they tell me to take him abroad for treatment. When he goes for treatment, they tell me to bring him back saying I am hiding him. I hope you see this kind of opportunism,” Mayiga told the Lukiiko members.
Focus on Agriculture and Development
Mayiga mentioned that the kingdom will continue to focus on agriculture, especially coffee farming, in the current financial year. He encouraged the Kabaka’s subjects to keep growing coffee for development. “I am happy that our people have started benefiting from coffee but we have one problem – those who have got money out of coffee have turned into drunkards and buying sex workers. The intention of the Kabaka in encouraging you to grow coffee is not to turn into drunkards but to get money, pay school fees for your children, and build good houses among others,” Mayiga stated.
Increasing Income and Innovation
Mayiga noted that the kingdom’s income has increased due to innovation and hard work.
Budget Presentation
During the budget presentation, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the kingdom’s finance minister, shared the financial plan for the year 2024/25, which is set at sh257.4 billion. A significant portion of the budget will be spent on establishing more income-generating projects to address unemployment. “Our income has been increasing in the last five years and this has been largely because of increased partnerships, innovation, and payment of arrears by the central government,” Nsibirwa explained.
He revealed that in the previous financial year, the kingdom’s earnings exceeded the budget estimate of sh209 billion, reaching sh210 billion. This income was used for various projects, including the construction of hospitals in Mityana, Masaka, and Mukono districts.
Sustainable Income and Future Plans
Nsibirwa stated that the kingdom aims to achieve sustainable income. He added that the budget aligns with the national development plan (NDP), the East African Community Vision 2050, and the African Union Vision 2063.
Attendees
Notable attendees at the budget reading included Archbishop of the Orthodox Church Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, Namirembe Diocese bishop Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, Deputy Supreme Mufti Sheikh Ibrahim Ntanda, Prince David Kintu Wasajja, and Members of Parliament Patrick Nsanja and Allan Mayanja Ssebunya of Ntenjeru South and Nakaseke South, respectively.
Political Climate
Mayiga also addressed the current political climate, which he described as being filled with insults. He called on political actors to respect each other and listen to each other even when they disagree. “It is very hard in politics to agree on everything but we need to play mature politics. How can you abuse your colleague, his children, and his parents? Politics without sanity cannot take us far,” Mayiga warned.
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