By Buganda Kingdom has dismissed claims by Gender Minister Hon. Betty Amongi that the central government provided funds to the Kingdom instead of delivering a vehicle meant for Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during a ceremony where Minister Amongi handed over double-cabin pickup trucks to several cultural institutions to support mobility and service delivery. While addressing attendees, Minister Amongi said:
“The government provided funds to the Buganda Kingdom instead of a vehicle for the Kabaka.”
Latest
Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling, White House says
Uganda to Integrate HIV Services into General Healthcare
Ssekikubo Maintains Strong Lead in Lwemiyaga NRM Primaries
Police Report Isolated Violence, 90 Arrests During NRM Primaries
Kyankwanzi District Official Remanded Over Job Scam
Kabuleta’s NEED Party Splits Into Two Rival Factions
Uganda Risks Missing 2030 HIV Elimination Target –AIDS Commission Warns
Ntungamo MP Sustains Head Injury in Polling Station Clash
Entebbe Airport Passenger Traffic Hits Record 213,000 in June
EC Warns Aspirants on Academic Verification Ahead of 2026 Elections
LOP Budget vs. Poverty: UGX 4.2Bn Allocation Raises Eyebrows
However, Buganda Kingdom swiftly responded in a strongly-worded statement during a press briefing at Bulange Mengo, categorically denying receiving such funds.
“We did not receive any such funds. Everything concerning that arrangement is unknown to us,” the Kingdom said.
Speaking to journalists, the Kingdom’s Minister for Information, Mobilisation and Spokesperson, Owek. Israel Kitooke, clarified that Kabaka Mutebi does not earn a salary from the government nor receive any personal financial facilitation from the state.
“We made it clear to Minister Amongi in a recent meeting that the Kabaka is not on government payroll. However, we welcome support from government in initiatives that benefit the Kingdom and its people,” Kitooke stated.
He urged government officials to exercise accuracy in public communication, noting that cultural institutions operate under traditions that require respect and transparency.
“The Kingdom appreciates government’s assistance in cultural preservation and development programs. But communication must remain clear and respectful to preserve the dignity and mutual trust between institutions,” Kitooke added.
The Kingdom further reaffirmed its openness to collaborate with the central government on developmental projects such as the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs and cultural tourism initiatives. However, it reiterated that it has not received any money in place of a vehicle meant for the Kabaka.
The incident has rekindled debates about the state’s engagement with cultural institutions in Uganda. The government routinely extends logistical support to recognized traditional leaders, often including vehicles to facilitate cultural duties.
However, Buganda Kingdom has historically maintained that while it works with the government on development, it guards its autonomy. The Kabaka, as a constitutional monarch, plays a largely cultural role and does not draw a salary from state coffers. This principle was emphasized during the restoration of traditional kingdoms in 1993 under the current government.
Buganda Kingdom remains Uganda’s largest cultural institution, representing over six million Baganda, and wields significant cultural influence. In the past, the relationship between Mengo and the central government has oscillated between cooperation and tension, particularly over issues of federalism, land ownership, and cultural autonomy.
The clarification by Mengo comes at a time when public attention is growing over government engagement with traditional institutions. Questions have often been raised on how such support is allocated and accounted for, especially given the country’s fiscal pressures and demands for transparency.
Minister Amongi has yet to respond to the Kingdom’s rebuttal as of press time.
The event at Kololo was part of a government program aimed at enhancing mobility for cultural institutions. Among the beneficiaries were Tooro, Bunyoro-Kitara, Acholi, and Busoga kingdoms.
