Villa Maria in Kalungu district was a center of attraction as thousands of Baganda and friends of Buganda gathered to celebrate the 63rd Birthday of the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. Several lined up on the road from Masaka to Mitara Maria singing, dancing and waving to the king as he drove through to Villa Maria the venue for the celebrations. Loved by many, it was pomp as the subjects irrespective of their social and economic status revered the man who ascended to the throne 25 years ago. At Villa Maria special prayers were held in his honor. “Dear the Kabaka of Buganda, Villa Maria is a historic site…”
From here, it was time for entertainment by all including school children and different cultural groups. As he rose to address the gathering, the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II urged Ugandans to take charge of their security as times have become hard. "…as of now, there is a tendency of kidnapping people and those kidnappers ask for money to release the victims. Culprits have also developed a tendency of pre-informing community people about the targeted areas so that they get prepared to give them money in return for not losing their lives. Here in Lwengo, all that has happened previously is well known by you the residents. About 16 years have come to pass when those committees are not elected. In that time, a lot of violence has emerged in the country. Therefore, those committees are going to be elected to deal with the peace and stability…" Said, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. The Kabaka also used the opportunity to offer condolences to those who had lost their loved ones in the recent murders that had taken over some parts of the country. “We send our condolences to all those that have lost their dear relatives and friends, and all those that have suffered injuries during the same incidences.”
He urged the Baganda to look into the issues regarding Buganda land which he believes has some irregularities. “All other regions of Uganda that are well known for example Busoga, Karamoja, Ankole, Bunyoro etc are included but Buganda is not among them. It is from this note that I ask myself a question that what is the motive of leaving out Buganda?” On the sidelines of these celebrations, business was booming as many were using this opportunity to display and sell their goods. Security was on standby and had some arrested as they tried to pickpocket. The function was concluded with the cake cutting.
