Christmas carols underway at the Bulange Gardens
The 2025 Christmas carols of the Buganda Kingdom were held today, with singers already harmonising their voices as invited guests arrived at the ceremony.
As part of its annual end-of-year programme, the Buganda Kingdom organises Christmas carols to mark the birth of Christ. This year’s event was led by the Catholic Church, while the Buganda Royal Institute coordinated the participation of Buganda Kingdom institutions in organising the ceremony.
Four choirs from the Catholic Church took part in this year’s Christmas carols, alongside a joint choir of Buganda Kingdom staff. The choirs performed hymns praising the Creator in rich and melodious voices.
His Majesty the Kabaka graciously appointed Prince Herbert Kateregga as the chief guest at the ceremony. He was accompanied by Princess Solome Mirembe and Prince Felix Muteesa. Prince Kateregga presided over the cake-cutting ceremony and the lighting of the Christmas tree, symbolising the official closure of Buganda Kingdom activities for the year and extending Christmas and New Year greetings of joy and peace to the Kingdom’s staff.
Prince Herbert Kateregga cutting the cake at the ceremony in Bulange
In his sermon, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere commended the Katikkiro and the entire Kabaka’s Government for their commitment to promoting the image of the Buganda Kingdom in a positive manner both nationally and internationally.
However, the Archbishop also condemned ongoing violations of human rights in the country. He criticised electoral malpractice witnessed during elections and urged the Electoral Commission to organise free, fair, and credible elections. He further called on security agencies to stop acts of violence, including the beating and use of excessive force against citizens.
The Archbishop prayed for peace across the country during the election period and throughout the Christmas season.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, used the occasion to thank His Majesty the Kabaka for establishing institutions that have created employment opportunities for his people. He also announced that Buganda Kingdom offices will officially close until 5 January 2026.
The Katikkiro commended the achievements registered by the Kingdom during the year in education, health, sports, public engagement, partnerships, and other sectors.
He said, “While much has been achieved in education, health, culture, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, protection of the Kingdom’s image, and sports, the most significant achievement of 2025 was the completion of the Kasubi Royal Tombs, as announced on 12 December.”
Owek. Mayiga also presented performance awards to Buganda Kingdom institutions. CBS Radio was named the best-performing institution of 2025 and was awarded a shield and a bull. Other institutions, including BBS Television, were recognised and awarded goats.
Outstanding staff members who excelled in their service during the year were also recognised and received certificates of appreciation.
Lubiri High School, Mengo branch, was announced as the institution that will organise the Christmas carols ceremony next year.
The event was attended by various Princes and Princesses, senior clan leaders, members of the Kabaka’s Cabinet, county chiefs, heads of institutions, religious leaders, staff from all Buganda Kingdom institutions, and other invited guests.