Buganda and Busoga Strengthen Ties in Jinja Meeting

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, hosted Buganda Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, at the Igenge Palace in Jinja City on October 4th. The visit marked a significant moment of unity between the two influential kingdoms in Uganda. Mayiga, accompanied by several ministers from Mengo, paid a courtesy call on the Kyabazinga, reflecting the deep cultural and historical ties between the two kingdoms.

The meeting between the Kyabazinga and the Katikkiro took place at the Igenge Palace at midday, where Buganda’s delegation was welcomed by Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala and other high-ranking officials. This visit is part of Mayiga’s three-day tour of Busoga, during which he will meet with various youth leaders from the Nkoba za Mbogo associations as well as members of the Baganda community living in Busoga.

Upon his arrival at the Source of the Nile Bridge, which marks the boundary between Buganda and Busoga, Mayiga was greeted by Baganda youth, to whom he briefly addressed before proceeding to the Igenge Palace. He was warmly received by Dr. Muvawala, who introduced him to the ministers and escorted him into the palace, where the Kyabazinga awaited.

After a brief reception, the Kyabazinga and Mayiga held a private meeting to discuss key issues of development, cooperation, and culture. The Kyabazinga expressed his appreciation for the support of Buganda Kingdom and specifically thanked Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi for his guidance on matters of cultural promotion and development. He acknowledged the assistance Buganda provided during his royal wedding in November 2023, which took place at Christ Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City.

Kyabazinga Nadiope IV emphasized that the strong bond between Busoga and Buganda presents opportunities for mutual development. He mentioned that both kingdoms will initiate programs aimed at promoting prosperity and transformation in sectors such as tourism, education, health, culture, and sports. The Kyabazinga’s remarks underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation in fostering development.

During the visit, Mayiga echoed these sentiments, describing Buganda and Busoga as “twin kingdoms” with much to learn from each other. He encouraged the Basoga to continue collaborating with the Baganda to strengthen the unity and bond between the two regions. He also proposed organizing a football match between the champions of Buganda’s Masaza Cup and Busoga’s Masaza Cup, to further cement their relationship through sports.

As a token of appreciation, Mayiga presented the Kyabazinga with two books, congratulating him on his royal wedding. This gesture was a symbol of the respect and goodwill shared between the two monarchies.

Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister Dr. Muvawala expressed his gratitude to Mayiga and his delegation for visiting Busoga and reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the two kingdoms. The day concluded with a formal lunch hosted by the Kyabazinga for his guests.

Mayiga’s delegation included prominent Buganda Kingdom officials, such as Minister of Youth and Sports Robert Ssemwanga, Minister of Information Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, Dr. Rashid Lukwago, and other representatives from Buganda’s Lukiiko and Nkoba za Mbogo Youth Council. The visit continued with meetings between Mayiga and youth leaders from both the Buganda and Busoga communities.

Both kingdoms are hopeful that the outcomes of the discussions will lead to enhanced cooperation in key areas that will benefit their people and strengthen the unity between Busoga and Buganda.