LOS ANGELES, California
By Guest Writer
In a colourful display of loyalty and cultural pride, Ugandans and members of the Buganda community in California filled the Nob Hill Banquet Center in Los Angeles to celebrate the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, turning the occasion into both a homecoming of sorts and a platform to discuss the diaspora’s role in Uganda’s future.
The celebration, organised by Buganda Kingdom representatives in the United States, drew Buganda Kingdom dignitaries and elders, cultural leaders, representatives of Ugandan community organisations, invited guests and members of the wider Ugandan diaspora from across the country.
High‑profile attendance
The event was attended by Owek. Fred Makubuya, the Kabaka’s Representative, and Owek. Hudson Joloba, Deputy Representative of the Kabaka and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, who oversaw months of planning and coordination with diaspora groups.
Guest of Honour Ambassador-at-Large Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and delivered a message from the President congratulating the Kabaka and the people of Buganda on the anniversary.
In a sign of the event’s broad appeal, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, attended with his children, joining government representatives, cultural leaders and community members in a gathering that organisers described as non‑partisan and focused on heritage and nation‑building.
The Mayor of Los Angeles, Hon. Karen Bass, was represented by Tylor Redick, Head of International Relations in the City of Los Angeles Office, who conveyed greetings from the city and acknowledged the contributions of Ugandan residents to the social and economic life of the region.
Government message and diaspora call
In his address, Ambassador Walusimbi underscored the Ugandan government’s commitment to working with traditional institutions and diaspora communities as partners in development. He highlighted ongoing efforts to create structured channels for diaspora investment, skills transfer and knowledge exchange, and encouraged Ugandans in the United States to engage more systematically with opportunities in education, health, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
“The spirit of cooperation, love, respect and unity demonstrated throughout the preparations and celebration was truly inspiring,” Ambassador Walusimbi said. “Our different cultural traditions should not divide us; rather, they should enrich our common Ugandan identity.”
He urged the community to maintain strong ties with home, noting that Uganda’s development agenda required both “brain gain” and tangible investment from citizens abroad.
“Come home. Bring your skills, knowledge, technology, and investment. Uganda needs your brain gain and your partnership in building a stronger nation,” he said. “As we celebrate this day, let us renew our commitment to unity, one government, one people, one Uganda.”
Ambassador Walusimbi also commended the Organising Committee, led by Owek. Hudson Joloba, for their exceptional work, commitment and dedication in putting together a successful, colourful and memorable celebration that reflected well on the Ugandan community in California.
Cultural programme and magazine launch
The programme featured traditional performances, speeches by community leaders and remarks from Buganda Kingdom representatives, who paid tribute to the Kabaka’s leadership and reiterated the role of cultural institutions in promoting values such as discipline, respect for elders, education and communal responsibility.
A key highlight was the launch of Amatikkira Magazine, a publication dedicated to Buganda’s history, culture, traditions and contemporary affairs.
Organisers said the magazine was intended to educate present and future generations of Baganda and other Ugandans about their heritage, while also providing a platform for discussion on current issues affecting the kingdom and its people in the diaspora and at home.
Community leaders described the magazine as a long‑term investment in cultural continuity, particularly for young Ugandans growing up abroad who may have limited exposure to the language, customs and historical narratives of their ancestors.
Cross‑community participation
Organisers noted that the event attracted not only members of the Buganda community but also Ugandans from other regions and cultural backgrounds, reflecting a deliberate effort to frame the anniversary as a national rather than narrowly ethnic occasion.
Speakers emphasised that Uganda’s diversity of cultures, languages and traditions was a source of strength, and called for continued dialogue and cooperation among different communities in the diaspora as a model for peaceful coexistence back home.
Several attendees said the gathering provided an important space for networking, reconnection and reflection on their roles as ambassadors of Uganda in the United States, particularly at a time when the country’s international image is often shaped by political debates and media coverage focused on governance and human rights issues.
Tribute to the Kabaka
In their remarks, Buganda Kingdom dignitaries and elders in attendance paid tribute to the Kabaka’s leadership since his coronation on July 31, 1993, at Naggalabi Buddo, following the restoration of Uganda’s traditional institutions.
They highlighted achievements in education, health, cultural revival and community mobilisation under the kingdom’s development programmes, and called upon the community to uphold unity, respect and cultural values as the foundation for future progress.
Many also expressed appreciation for the presence of government representatives and opposition figures at the same event, describing it as a demonstration that cultural occasions could serve as neutral ground for bringing Ugandans together across political divides.
Vote of thanks and closing
In a formal vote of thanks, Ambassador Walusimbi commended Owek. Hudson Joloba, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Deputy Representative of the Kabaka, Mzee Moses Wilson, Mzee Bede Sensalo, Sarah Yiga, Rev. Sam & James Thomas, and Joy Magala, together with the entire committee, volunteers and partner organisations, for their exceptional work, commitment and dedication in organising a successful, colourful and memorable celebration.
He also thanked the Nob Hill Banquet Center management, cultural groups, donors and well‑wishers who supported the event financially and logistically, and acknowledged the role of local authorities in facilitating a smooth and secure gathering.
The celebration concluded with prayers and blessings for the Republic of Uganda, the Kingdom of Buganda and its people, the Ugandan community in the United States, His Majesty the Kabaka and all those who contributed to the success of the event.
Organisers said the anniversary would be followed by continued engagement with diaspora groups on concrete projects in education, mentorship, business development and cultural programming, aimed at translating the spirit of the occasion into long‑term benefits for both the community in California and Uganda at large. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
