The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, has called for revival of cooperative societies/unions in Uganda saying the move will play a significant role in a fight against poverty among Ugandans.
Kabaka said this during his 26th coronation ceremony at Nkumba University, Wakiso district. Started way back in 1913, Kabaka said cooperative unions originated in Buganda region and they boosted people’s earnings and later they gave birth cooperative bank on 1964.
“Cooperative unions like Bugisu cooperative union, Wamala, East Mengo and West Mengo cooperative unions among others served better in the recent past and they belong to people and they don’t need government funding,” he said
Kabaka urged people to grow more coffee and other traditional cash crops to improve on their household income.
In his message delivered by Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi, President Museveni congratulated Kabaka for turning 26 years as the reigning king of Buganda and gifted him with Shs50 million. He implored him to invest the money in cows to enjoy their benefits in future.
“I call on people to embrace kingdom’s core values of love, peace and unity for the development of the country,” he said and lauded Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda and her foundation for empowerment of people against poverty and advocating for rights of a girl child.
The chief guest, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the titular ruler of Sokoto in Northern Nigeria, head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) urged people to always protect and revive their cultures saying cultures play a significant role in the development of a country.
He lauded Kabaka Mutebi for being a good leader. “A leader is always a servant of people and Kabaka has done so and that is why there is this mammoth of people. It is important to put people first than our brothers, sisters and friends.” He said
“Soon I will be inviting my friend Ronald Mutebi to Nigeria in a campaign peddled at raising awareness for education of a girl child. A girl children are the pillars for the development of a nation.” he said.
Sultan prayed that God gives him (Kabaka) more 50 years to lead the kingdom, “I know in 90 plus years you will still be strong to lead Buganda and transforming people’s lives.”
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga lauded Sultan for his presence asserting that his visit will strengthen the cultural and international relationship between the kingdom of Sokoto and the kingdom of Buganda.
