Owek. Joseph Kawuki pictured with Kabaka’s chiefs who paid him a courtesy visit, together with his wife and children.
The Minister for Local Government, Owek. Joseph Kawuki, hosted Kabaka’s chiefs from various regions outside Uganda at his home, in a visit aimed at reviewing their service to the Buganda Kingdom, as well as sharing moments of reflection and fellowship as the year 2025 draws to a close.
The visiting chiefs included representatives from America, the Arab world, Scandinavia, the Rhinelands and the United Kingdom. They were accompanied by the Ssingo County Chief, Mukwenda Deogratious Kagimu, his Third Deputy Stephen Jjumba, and officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Buganda Affairs Abroad.
Discussions focused on several key issues, including the promotion of the Luganda language, strengthening Buganda’s culture and traditions, and increasing public awareness of the Kingdom’s programmes while encouraging active participation among Kabaka’s subjects.
In his remarks, Minister Joseph Kawuki thanked the chiefs for the visit and for dedicating time to engage in meaningful dialogue on matters concerning the Kingdom. He urged them to exercise caution in political matters, to understand the source of their authority and leadership, and to avoid making major decisions without consultation, given their responsibility to mobilise Kabaka’s people in their respective regions.
Minister Kawuki also encouraged parents to teach their children the Luganda language and to guide them on the responsible use of digital media, warning about the dangers associated with misuse.
The Ssingo County Chief, Deogratious Kagimu, welcomed the initiative and called upon Kabaka’s chiefs serving abroad to regularly return home and invest in development projects that will benefit the Kingdom in the future.
The visiting chiefs emphasised the importance of preserving Buganda’s culture and traditions, particularly among children born outside Uganda, noting that language plays a vital role in safeguarding the Kingdom’s identity.
Stephen Jjumba, the Third Deputy County Chief, urged Kabaka’s people to speak out on Buganda-related issues at the appropriate time, stressing that silence does not help. He noted that although some may feel uncomfortable when Buganda’s values and Luganda language are promoted internationally, it remains important for Baganda to stand firm in what they believe in.
According to the chiefs, several development projects are already underway, including coffee farming, schools and livestock rearing, all aimed at improving the welfare of Kabaka’s people in the years ahead.