Speaking to the media on Thursday at the Kingdom headquarters at Bulange Mengo, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro said basing on the directives and guidelines issued by the government yesterday, the celebrations that were to be held at Lubaga Cathedral on April 13 have been canceled.
The Buganda Kingdom has said, it is cancelling the 65th birthday celebrations of the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II because of the fear of the spread of Coronavirus.
Speaking to the media on Thursday at the Kingdom headquarters at Bulange Mengo, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro said based on the directives and guidelines issued by the government yesterday, the celebrations that were to be held at Lubaga Cathedral on April 13 have been cancelled.
However, the annual Kabaka birthday run that attracts over 50,000 people, which was to be held on April 5, has been postponed to such a date when Coronavirus is no longer a health risk.
“Yesterday the president issued guidelines and directives regarding how we can prevent the spreading of Coronavirus. I urge the people of Uganda to be compliant with those directives for the sake of the health of all Ugandans,” Mayiga said.
On Monday, Mayiga had issued a statement cancelling the Kabaka planned tour of Kakuuto Sub County in Kyotera district as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus. On Tuesday he urged the committee that was organizing the celebrations, to continue with the preparations as they wait to hear from the government.
Mayiga urged people to continue buying the marathon kits to wear them on April 13 in solidarity with the Kabaka.
//Cue in… “I urge you
Cue out…very short time,”//
He also called upon all faithful to pray for the Kabaka for a good life. “Put on these kits and take selfies wishing your King good health and happiness,” Mayiga said. He added that on that day, he will also issue a statement congratulating the King upon his 65th birthday.
Lubaga Cathedral which was hosting this year’s celebrations will also pray for the Kabaka through the media. Other than the birthday celebrations and the marathon, the Kingdom is also cancelling the Meeting of the Buganda Lukiiko, the children’s festival which were to happen tomorrow at Lubiri Mengo, meeting with LCV chairmen from Buganda, meeting on environment and water that was to take place at Entebbe, Volleyball tournament, launching of the association for the protection of wildlife and birds in Nabweru, the last funeral rites of the Nabagereka’s, launching of Mmwanyi Terimba campaign in Busujju, Squash Tournament among others.
The Coronavirus that broke out in China at the end of last year has killed over 8,000 people worldwide and infected over 200,000. Governments have taken measures geared towards limiting the spread of the virus including total shutdown with people ordered to remain at their homes. Museveni banned all forms of public meetings including religious congregations in mosques and churches. The president also ordered all schools closed for 32 days.
Story by Baker Batte
