Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has called for stronger cultural cooperation between Buganda and Busoga, saying the two kingdoms share deep historical ties that can be harnessed to promote development.
Mayiga made the remarks on Saturday as Buganda joined the people of Busoga to mark 12 years since the coronation of Kyabazinga Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.
The celebrations were held at Mayuge Stadium under the theme “Using Culture to Bring Development.” Buganda was represented by Mayiga and Oweek Noah Kiyimba, Minister for Cabinet, Council and Katikkiro’s Office Affairs.
Mayiga said the relationship between Buganda and Busoga is rooted in a shared history and cultural connections, making cooperation between the two traditional institutions important.
He said the theme of the anniversary celebrations reflects a principle that Buganda itself has embraced: using culture as a foundation for addressing social and economic challenges.
“Buganda and Busoga have a lot of history that unites us,” Mayiga said.
He added that culture should not be treated merely as a heritage to be preserved, but as a resource that can contribute to development when properly utilised.
Mayiga pledged that Buganda would continue working alongside Busoga to strengthen cultural ties between the two kingdoms.
His message comes amid renewed discussions across Uganda about the role of cultural institutions in development, particularly in areas such as education, agriculture, environmental conservation and community mobilisation.
The Kyabazinga, in his own address, urged parents to support children to remain in school, describing young people as the future of Busoga. He also encouraged youth to engage in agriculture and livestock farming, arguing that the region’s fertile land provides opportunities for income generation and job creation.
Kyabazinga Gabula further called for greater environmental protection through tree planting, saying conservation would help secure a better future for coming generations.
The Katukiro of Busoga, Dr Joseph Muvawala, meanwhile, commended Gabula for his 12 years of leadership and used the occasion to call on the national leadership to return assets belonging to traditional institutions, including Buganda and Busoga.
For Mayiga, however, the anniversary offered a broader message: that the historical and cultural bonds between Buganda and Busoga can remain relevant in shaping their future.
