The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Labor, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in Buganda, Hon. Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase, urged Ugandans living in the UK to actively pursue collective self-development by contributing investments in the UK while also supporting initiatives in Uganda, their country of origin. This, he emphasized, strengthens both economic and communal development.
Hon. Kaawaase attended the annual Buganda Dinner (Buganda Dinner UK 2025), which this year spanned three days. The main event took place at the Vermillion Banqueting Hall in Manchester last Saturday, drawing over 400 guests, and was preceded by a smaller gathering at Ascension Church Hall on Thursday.
As the chief guest, Hon. Kaawaase encouraged Ugandans in the UK to preserve their culture and traditions, warning against losing touch with their heritage while living abroad.
The Buganda Ambassador to the UK and Ireland, Hon. Geoffrey Kibuuka, highlighted achievements from the past year, including the successful organization of the 1st Buganda Bumu European Convention (BBECCO) in North London, and the establishment of the Buganda Bereavement Fund (BBF). Since its launch, the BBF has supported more than 1,200 community members, including providing aid to four families, each receiving £9,000.
Other accomplishments included the installation of the South and West of England (SWEB) chiefs, the Kabaka Birthday Run attended by over 500 people, the establishment of the Kabaka Foundation in the UK, the Queen’s Ekisaakaate initiative, and the launch of a Food Bank to support community members with food and essential supplies.
The Ambassador thanked the Deputy and the chiefs of the North of England and Midlands (Manchester), led by Rev. Enock Kiyaga Mayanja, who coordinated the preparations for the dinner. Rev. Kiyaga Mayanja also recounted the history of the Bbendobendo chapter, which began in Manchester and has since expanded to include cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Derby, Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, and surrounding towns.
Responsibility for organizing the next Buganda Dinner was handed over to colleagues from South and West England (SWEB).
Other notable attendees included Muky. Marion Otengo, representing the Ugandan Embassy in the UK; Hon. Janet Nabatta Mukiibi, Deputy for South & West England (SWEB); Hon. Godfrey Sekisonge, Deputy for East London and Essex; Hon. Rebecca Lubega-Bukulu, Deputy Commissioner in Scotland; officials of the Buganda Representative Council and the Kabaka’s chiefs in the UK and Ireland; Mwami Henry Mutumba, President of the Kabaka Foundation in the UK; Hon. Sheikh Kalantani Yiga Butanaziba, Amir of the Uganda Muslim Community in the UK; Sheikh Abdukadir Kawooya, Deputy Amir; Fr. Gerald Balinnya, Uganda Martyrs Catholic Community; Rev. John Alex Muyita and Revd. Sam Bisaso Sekitoleko, pastors of Luganda congregations in Manchester; Pastor Blessious Kalemeera Mutebi of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; Prince Herbert and his daughter Solomey Kateregga; Nalinya Elizabeth Nakabiri Ssengaaga; Prince GW Mawanda Jjuuko and his spouse; Princess Esther Nakimbugwe; Princess Irene Lubega; and others.
Long live the Kabaka!