As part of his 70th birthday celebrations, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has made a historic move to revitalize agriculture within Buganda Kingdom by donating tractors to each of its 18 counties (masaza). In a vibrant ceremony held at Bulange Mengo, the Kingdom’s administrative headquarters, the tractors were officially handed over by the Prime Minister (Katikkiro) Charles Peter Mayiga.
Katikkiro Mayiga, while addressing dignitaries, farmers, and local leaders, stressed the Kabaka’s vision of self-sufficiency through modern farming. “The Kabaka wants every homestead to have enough food. That’s why he encourages his subjects to embrace modern agriculture. That is how the Kingdom shall reclaim its top position,” Mayiga stated.
He emphasized the need for mechanized farming and irrigation to enhance productivity, especially in light of limited government support for agricultural mechanization. “We decided to buy our own tractors because our calls for government support have not yielded positive results. However, we encourage you to handle these farm inputs with great care,” he urged.
Oversight committees have been established in each county to ensure proper tractor management, as announced by Hajji Amiisi Kakomo, the Minister for Trade, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. Tractor operators and caretakers have undergone specialized training, and a comprehensive maintenance plan is in place, according to Edward Ssenkindu, representing the Board Chairperson of BUKADEF (Buganda Kingdom Development Foundation).
Prince Ronald Mulondo, county chief of Bulemeezi, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all county chiefs, acknowledging the Kabaka’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities.
The event also featured a youth engagement session at the Kabaka’s palace in Mengo, where youth leaders presented ‘Amakula’ (birthday gifts) to the monarch. Katikkiro Mayiga encouraged youth to focus on education, personal growth, and the fight against HIV/AIDS, while Robert Serwanga, Minister for Youth and Talent Development, rallied the youth to embrace innovation, unity, and hard work.
This initiative marks a transformative chapter in Buganda’s agricultural modernization and food security journey.