The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged all Baganda, particularly the youth, to actively engage in preserving and promoting the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and clan traditions.
He encouraged them to utilize digital platforms as tools to document and share accurate information about their clans, emphasizing that this would help safeguard Buganda’s identity and restore its historical significance. Speaking at his official residence in Bulange, Mengo, during a meeting with the descendants of Zakaria Senkoole, a former royal servant during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga Basamula Ekere, Katikkiro Mayiga commended the family for honoring their ancestor through the “Luwalo lwaffe” (Our Contribution) program.
The delegation, which included renowned artist Mesearch Ssemakula, visited the Katikkiro to pay tribute to Senkoole’s service and strengthen their family’s bond with the kingdom. “Honoring those who served Buganda with loyalty is a great example of how we can preserve our heritage,” Mayiga remarked.
“I urge every Muganda, especially the youth, to learn about their clans and responsibly share that knowledge online. By posting accurate information, you educate others and bolster our cultural pride. However, spreading misinformation only creates confusion and damages Buganda’s reputation,” he warned.
He also cautioned against the increasing spread of misleading content about Buganda on social media, noting that much of it comes from individuals with malicious intentions. He urged Baganda to use the internet as a platform for cultural education and truth-sharing, rather than for misinformation.
Mayiga highlighted the importance of the Lugave clan, to which Senkoole belonged, calling it one of the most prestigious and influential clans in Buganda. “The Lugave clan plays a very central role in Buganda,” he stated. “It is one of the clans responsible for installing the Kabaka and performing key royal duties.”
On behalf of the Senkoole family, Mesearch Ssemakula expressed gratitude to the Katikkiro for his warm reception, noting that the meeting would inspire other Baganda families to reconnect with the kingdom’s leadership and contribute to its development. “We thank you, Katikkiro, for welcoming us,” Ssemakula said. “We want to set an example for other families to visit the palace and honor their ancestors who served Buganda faithfully.”
Edward Mukiibi Senkoole, a fifth-generation descendant, echoed the sentiment, pledging that the family would continue to safeguard their ancestral legacy and maintain strong ties with the Buganda Kingdom.
During the visit, the family presented a cheque for Shs 5 million as their contribution to the kingdom’s ongoing programs.
In his closing remarks, Katikkiro Mayiga emphasized the importance of promoting the Luganda language, urging the youth not to abandon it in favor of foreign languages. “Let us be proud of our language,” he said. “Luganda is not just a means of communication; it is the soul of who we are as a people.”
He reaffirmed his call for all Baganda to take pride in their identity, document their clan histories, and share them widely to inspire future generations.