LOS ANGELES, California — Ugandans and members of the Buganda community in California gathered at the Nob Hill Banquet Center in Los Angeles to mark the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The colourful celebration brought together Buganda Kingdom dignitaries, cultural leaders, elders, representatives of Ugandan community organisations and members of the wider Ugandan diaspora from across the United States.
The event, organised by Buganda Kingdom representatives in the United States, served not only as a celebration of the Kabaka’s 33 years on the throne but also as an opportunity to discuss the role of Ugandans in the diaspora in contributing to the country’s development.
The celebration was attended by Owek. Fred Makubuya, the Kabaka’s Representative, and Owek. Hudson Joloba, Deputy Representative of the Kabaka and Chairperson of the Organising Committee.
Guest of Honour Ambassador-at-Large Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and delivered a message congratulating the Kabaka and the people of Buganda on the anniversary.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, also attended the celebration with his children, joining government representatives, cultural leaders and members of the Ugandan community.
The organisers described the gathering as non-partisan and focused on cultural heritage, unity and nation-building.
The Mayor of Los Angeles, Hon. Karen Bass, was represented by Tylor Redick, Head of International Relations in the City of Los Angeles Office, who conveyed greetings from the city and recognised the contribution of Ugandan residents to the social and economic life of the region.
In his address, Ambassador Walusimbi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with traditional institutions and Ugandans in the diaspora as partners in national development.
He highlighted efforts to create structured opportunities for diaspora investment, skills transfer and knowledge exchange, particularly in education, health, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
“The spirit of cooperation, love, respect and unity demonstrated throughout the preparations and celebration was truly inspiring,” Walusimbi said.
He urged Ugandans abroad to view their cultural diversity as a source of strength and to maintain strong ties with Uganda.
“Come home. Bring your skills, knowledge, technology, and investment. Uganda needs your brain gain and your partnership in building a stronger nation,” he said.
Walusimbi further called for unity among Ugandans, saying the country needed citizens to work together despite their political and cultural differences.
“As we celebrate this day, let us renew our commitment to unity, one government, one people, one Uganda,” he said.
He also commended the organising committee, led by Owek. Hudson Joloba, for what he described as exceptional work and dedication in putting together a colourful and memorable celebration.
The programme featured traditional performances, speeches from community leaders and remarks from Buganda Kingdom representatives, who paid tribute to the Kabaka’s leadership and highlighted the importance of cultural institutions in promoting discipline, respect for elders, education and communal responsibility.
One of the major highlights was the launch of Amatikkira Magazine, a publication dedicated to Buganda’s history, culture, traditions and contemporary affairs.
Organisers said the magazine would help educate present and future generations of Baganda and other Ugandans about their heritage while providing a platform for discussion of issues affecting the kingdom and its people both in Uganda and the diaspora.
Community leaders described the publication as a long-term investment in cultural continuity, particularly for young Ugandans growing up abroad who may have limited exposure to their ancestral language, customs and history.
The anniversary attracted Ugandans from different regions and cultural backgrounds, in addition to members of the Buganda community.
Organisers said this reflected their deliberate effort to make the celebration a national occasion rather than one limited to a single cultural group.
Speakers emphasised that Uganda’s diversity of cultures, languages and traditions is a source of strength and called for continued dialogue and cooperation among Ugandans in the diaspora.
Several attendees said the gathering provided an opportunity for networking, reconnection and reflection on their responsibilities as ambassadors of Uganda in the United States.
Buganda Kingdom dignitaries and elders paid tribute to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was crowned on July 31, 1993, at Naggalabi Buddo following the restoration of Uganda’s traditional institutions.
They highlighted the kingdom’s programmes in education, health, cultural revival and community mobilisation, and called upon Baganda to uphold unity, respect and cultural values.
Attendees also welcomed the presence of both government representatives and opposition figures at the celebration, describing it as an example of how cultural occasions can provide neutral ground for Ugandans to come together despite political differences.
During the vote of thanks, Ambassador Walusimbi commended Owek. Hudson Joloba, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Deputy Representative of the Kabaka, Mzee Moses Wilson, Mzee Bede Sensalo, Sarah Yiga, Rev. Sam and James Thomas, and Joy Magala, together with the entire organising committee, volunteers and partner organisations.
He thanked them for their commitment and dedication in organising what he described as a successful, colourful and memorable celebration.
He also recognised the management of the Nob Hill Banquet Center, cultural groups, donors and well-wishers who provided financial and logistical support, as well as local authorities for facilitating a smooth and secure gathering.
The celebration concluded with prayers and blessings for Uganda, the Kingdom of Buganda and its people, the Ugandan community in the United States, Kabaka Mutebi II and all those who contributed to the success of the event.
Organisers said the anniversary celebrations would be followed by continued engagement with diaspora groups on projects in education, mentorship, business development and cultural programming, with the aim of turning the spirit of the celebration into long-term benefits for Ugandans in California and Uganda.
