Kampala, Uganda: The Kingdom of Buganda has publicly opened up on its conspicuous absence from the list of cultural institutions that received brand-new vehicles from government during Wednesday’s function at Kololo Independence Grounds, where 30 new cars were handed over to traditional leaders across Uganda.
The donation, part of the Traditional Leaders Enhancement Programme launched by Vice President Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, is aimed at supporting cultural leaders in their efforts to promote values, guide communities, and foster national unity.
“Cultural leaders play a crucial role in shaping citizens’ beliefs and guiding communities,” Vice President Alupo said during the handover.
However, Buganda Kingdom’s absence sparked public debate, with many questioning why Uganda’s most prominent cultural institution was not among the beneficiaries.
When contacted over a comment, Buganda’s Minister of Information and official spokesperson, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, clarified that the kingdom had received no formal communication from the government regarding the car donation.
“We didn’t receive any communication about the giving out of those cars. We are also surprised seeing it in the news. It’s all hearsay,” Kazibwe said.
Kabaka’s new Lexus
The controversy deepened when social media circulated images of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s new 2024 Lexus LX J30L, a luxury SUV reportedly purchased by the kingdom itself for his 70th birthday in April this year.
The car, valued at about UGX 750 million before taxes, boasts high-end features, including massage seats, ottomans, recliners, fridges, and a V6 twin-turbo engine with a 10-speed transmission.
Sources at Bulange, the kingdom’s administrative seat, confirmed the Lexus was procured through internally generated funds from subjects to replace the Kabaka’s 1999 Lexus LX470, which had served him for decades. “The Kabaka always preferred Lexus models over the Land Cruiser variants,” a Bulange insider noted.
The Kabaka’s new vehicle has already been spotted on the streets of Kampala, where he was warmly greeted by his subjects, including boda boda riders who clapped and cheered as he waved to them.
In response to public speculation, Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi clarified that the Buganda Kingdom, alongside Bugwere, had formally declined the government cars.
“I visited the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and he stated that their culture requires certain provisions to be made by the subjects. We agreed the money meant for them would be given as a lump sum,” Minister Amongi said.
The Kabaka’s recent return from a medical review abroad has further reignited excitement among his subjects, with many eagerly anticipating his forthcoming royal visits across the kingdom.
“The reason they bought a car that can take him everywhere is because he must be healthy enough to tour his kingdom,” said Frederick Ssengooba, a trader at Kisekka Market.
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