KAMPALA, UGANDA – In his annual Christmas and New Year’s message dated December 22, 2025, His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, addressed pressing national issues ranging from agriculture and child safety to the state of the nation’s politics.
The Kabaka’s message, released from the Office of the Kabaka, began with a focus on food security. Noting forecasts for heavy rains in the coming months, he warned of increased perishability for staple foods like maize and beans. He urged the public to prioritise food storage and called on the government to aggressively promote and provide irrigation equipment, especially in rural areas, to safeguard harvests. He further advocated for tax reductions on such equipment to make it accessible to ordinary citizens.
Shifting to social concerns, the Kabaka expressed deep alarm over reports of missing children and brutal crimes against them. "We had thought such acts had ended, but they are slowly returning," he stated, linking these incidents to a broader climate of insecurity, including mysterious nighttime kidnappings. He called on families to be vigilant in protecting children during the holiday season and urged security forces to intensify their efforts to protect people and property.
The latter part of the message delivered a pointed critique of the current political and electoral environment. The Kabaka condemned acts of violence and intimidation that prevent citizens from engaging with leaders, stating they "do not show transparency or the development of our country." He directly addressed electoral bodies, urging them to ensure a fair process.
His strongest remarks were on political financing. He described the prevailing system as "full of bribery in a corrupt manner" and questioned the source of campaign funds. The Kabaka argued that this practice elevates unqualified individuals who then seek to recoup their investments from public office, calling it "the mother of corruption and a hindrance to the development of our nation." He concluded with a powerful appeal for citizens to "elect with integrity."
The Kabaka concluded by wishing the nation a Christmas "filled with joy" and a New Year "full of peace and good health," signing the message as the sovereign of the Buganda kingdom.
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