By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has stirred public debate after questioning a recent shift in how the Buganda Kingdom refers to its monarch.
While addressing cultural and historical matters, Museveni expressed concern over the use of the title “His Majesty” for the Kabaka of Buganda, a term he says is inconsistent with tradition and was never officially adopted during the restoration of the kingdom.
“In our time, we called the Kabaka ‘His Highness’,” the President noted, adding, “Lately, I hear people saying ‘His Majesty’. When did this change happen and without consulting those of us who fought for the kingdom’s restoration?”
Museveni played a key role in the 1993 restoration of traditional kingdoms in Uganda, including Buganda, which had been abolished in 1967.
He argued that such significant cultural shifts should not occur without broad consultation, especially with those who were instrumental in reviving the institution.
While the shift from “His Highness” to “His Majesty” may appear minor, Museveni believes it reflects a deeper issue of cultural evolution without accountability.
The President’s remarks come at a time when discussions around cultural identity, power dynamics, and historical legacies are becoming increasingly prominent in Ugandan politics.
His statement has sparked mixed reactions, with some traditionalists agreeing with his call for clarity and others defending the use of “His Majesty” as a symbol of honor and evolving respect for the Kabaka.
