The Katikkiro, while inaugurating the first Buganda Convention in Europe, was accompanied by Buganda ministers
The inaugural Buganda Bumu Europe Convention was launched by the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, at the Green Towers Community Centre in London, in the presence of Kabaka’s subjects residing in various parts of Europe, including the counties of England and Ireland, Scandinavia, and the Rhinelands.
In his address, Katikkiro urged the attendees to strengthen their unity and cherish their cultural heritage, warning them not to give any space to individuals who attempt to divide them or derail their focus.
He emphasised that such individuals are only serving their personal interests.
“We do not need anyone to love us as long as we love ourselves. When we love ourselves, no one can look down on us. Buganda is home to 15 million people. If we remain united and love each other, anyone else will have no choice but to join us,” the Katikkiro stated.
He shared Buganda’s vision, comparing it to the influence of the Jewish community in America, who, despite being a small minority, control key sectors such as banks, media, and the economy. They are respected by all, and that is the level of influence Buganda under Kabaka Mutebi should strive for.
However, he noted that for Buganda to achieve this, Kabaka’s subjects must stop engaging in self-pity, where they constantly lament over what they could have achieved but failed. He provided examples of Indians and Barack Obama, stating that if they had indulged in self-pity, they would never have risen to positions of leadership or achieved economic growth.
The Minister for Local Government, Kabaka's Visits, and Buganda's Foreign Affairs, Owek. Joseph Kawuki, during this event, reminded Kabaka's subjects, especially those residing in Europe, about the message in Kabaka's speech during the 31st coronation anniversary.
The Kabaka expressed his gratitude towards his people abroad, particularly the youth and others, for their unwavering love for him.
He urged them to demonstrate this love through practical actions, by upholding their traditions and culture without allowing themselves to be misled.
He also reminded them that Buganda is led by the Kabaka, who is supported by the Katikkiro, handpicked by the Kabaka himself.
Owek. Joseph Kawuki giving his message
Minister Kawuki did not stop there; he also reminded them of the Kabaka's words during the Buganda Bumu North American Convention in Chicago in 2021.
The Kabaka cautioned his people about individuals who often claim to love Buganda more than others, advising them to be cautious of such people.
Owek. Kawuki encouraged them to confront these individuals without giving them any platform, as doing so will eventually neutralise them.
However, Owek. Kawuki urged everyone to contribute to the kingdom with their own brick, following the guidelines provided by the Kabaka's chiefs, since the messages they present belong to the Kabaka, not to them as individuals.
Owek. Kawuki requested that this visit be taken as a very significant matter because it is a sign that the Kabaka is thinking about them in his efforts to restore Buganda's glory, having given them regions such as England and Ireland, Scandinavia, and the Rhinelands.
In this endeavour, the Kabaka established a Ministry responsible for these efforts, initially led by Owek. Amb Emmanuel Ssendawula, Owek. Charles Bwenvu, and currently headed by Owek. Joseph Kawuki.
As part of this, the Kabaka agreed to expand partnerships with his people abroad, establishing a platform that unites them and enables communication through the diaspora council.
He expressed gratitude to the Kabaka's chiefs who have done their best to ensure the diaspora council exists.
He also thanked the committee that formulated the constitution guiding the diaspora council, led by Ms. Janat Nabatta Mukiibi, the Kabaka's chief overseeing the South London region.
People turned out in large numbers to attend this convention
The event was attended by Kabaka's ministers including Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, Owek. Ahmed Lwasa, Owek. Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, Owek. Anthony Wamala, Owek. Hajji Amisi Kakomo, various county chiefs and their deputies, the head of Buganda Land Board Mr. Simon Kaboggoza, and other Kabaka's chiefs at different levels.
The theme of the diaspora council was "Buganda in the Diaspora: Technology in Promoting Culture, Traditions, and the Youth."