(Cape Town) – Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has expanded Buganda’s international reach by launching a new council to unite Baganda living in Southern Africa. The council, known as ttabamiruka, serves to connect and support Baganda communities residing in countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, and Eswatini.
Kabaka Mutebi’s representative, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, expressed the kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties with Baganda living abroad. Mayiga explained that the goal of the ttabamiruka is to ensure that Baganda in Southern Africa remain connected to their cultural roots, even while residing far from home. He noted that these councils serve as a bridge to inform the diaspora of important developments back home in Buganda, helping them maintain a connection to their heritage and unity as a community.
Kabaka Mutebi first introduced the ttabamiruka council in the United States nine years ago, aiming to unite Baganda living across North America. This year, Buganda extended the initiative to Europe and has now launched its third international council in Southern Africa, a significant milestone for Baganda living abroad.
To mark the occasion, Mayiga was warmly welcomed by Baganda representatives in South Africa, who gathered at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town. Mayiga held discussions with Buganda leaders from across the Southern African region, laying out a vision for a unified and culturally connected diaspora community.
Table: Countries Involved in Southern Africa Buganda Council
Country
Notable Baganda Leaders
South Africa
Owek. Denis Lugolobi (Western Cape)
Zambia
Regional Representatives
Namibia
Regional Representatives
Mozambique
Regional Representatives
Botswana
Regional Representatives
Eswatini
Regional Representatives
During his visit, Mayiga also installed local Buganda leaders to oversee activities in various regions. Among those honored were Owek. Denis Lugolobi, leader of the Western Cape region, and Owek. Dr. Sam Ssemugabi Bakyayita, overseeing Johannesburg. These leaders are expected to take active roles in promoting unity and strengthening cultural values among Baganda in their areas.
Mayiga emphasized the importance of cooperation within the diaspora, encouraging Baganda to work together toward self improvement while contributing to their host communities. He urged the appointed leaders to uphold and promote Buganda’s cultural values and traditions, even in their foreign settings, and to represent the interests of the kingdom with courage and dedication.
