Kabaka’s 33rd Coronation Thanksgiving Service: A Day of Gratitude, Faith and Celebration

The Kabaka’s 33rd Coronation Thanksgiving Service brought together the Buganda Kingdom, church leaders and many worshippers in celebration of God’s faithfulness over the past 33 years. Throughout the service, servant leadership, gratitude, God’s faithfulness, and the importance of preserving both faith and culture were reflected upon. Here are some of the highlights and testimonies shared during the celebration.

Pastor Gary Skinner – Founder, Watoto Church

“We are here to celebrate the coronation and reign of a king, His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda. A coronation is a moment in time, but a reign is the work of a lifetime. Today, we honour not only the receiving of a crown but also the daily calling to wear it well under the gracious hand of Almighty God.

I believe a king is one of God’s gifts to His people. We thank God for Your Majesty’s life and for the rich heritage of the people of Buganda. The Bible teaches us that kingship is one of God’s gifts to society. God entrusts a crown to a king not only as a symbol of authority but also as a sacred trust of stewardship as His servant. God places a crown upon a king’s head only once, but He places the responsibility upon his heart every day.”

Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo – Team Leader, Watoto Church

“I really want to thank the Kabaka and the Kingdom leadership for choosing to bring this Thanksgiving Service to Watoto Church. I will never forget the day I received a call from the Katikkiro informing me that the Kabaka had deemed it fitting to celebrate the Thanksgiving Service for his coronation here at Watoto.

As the leadership at Watoto, we reflected on it and thought, ‘What an honour this is.’ There has been a lot of work in organising this celebration, and I would like to thank the organising committee from the Buganda Kingdom, led by Oweek. Joseph Kawuki. Thank you for working alongside the church team to make this happen.

I also want to begin by congratulating His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on his 33rd year as the King of Buganda.

I spent part of my childhood here in Kyambogo, where one of the royal palaces stands on Kyambogo Hill. I will never forget seeing the Kabaka taking walks through the neighbourhood. Even though he had security with him, he would always stop, wave and greet the people. He was such a gentleman. I can never forget the fatherly nature he showed, even to us as little children. I realised something then that has stayed with me all these years: the Kabaka has a humility, humanity and tenderness of heart that I believe every leader in Uganda should emulate.

As we reflected on today’s theme, we felt that this was a day to celebrate God’s faithfulness over these past 33 years. We have every reason to celebrate. We have every reason to give thanks. The best way to celebrate God’s faithfulness is by living with grateful and thankful hearts.

If you ever find yourself not being thankful, remember that even the very breath you have is a gift from God. The life we have is not an entitlement; it is a gift. Today, we celebrate as a Christian community.

As the church community, we are reminded that it was Kabaka Muteesa who welcomed the missionaries to Buganda, and for that we are extremely grateful. Today, we join the Buganda community in celebrating the restoration of the Kingdom and 33 years of God’s faithfulness. As a nation, we have every reason to celebrate and to remember that the Kingdom of Buganda continues to make a significant contribution to Uganda’s development.

Our nation has experienced many ups and downs. Sometimes, when we look at what is happening around us today, there is fear and anxiety, and we wonder whether things will ever be the same again. But today we celebrate because the same God who brought us through yesterday is the same God who is with us today and the same God who will faithfully lead us into the future. We therefore have every reason to celebrate His faithfulness.

His Majesty is also setting an example for the rest of the kingdoms in Uganda by taking this important celebration to different faith communities. In doing so, he is nurturing a culture of gratitude and thanksgiving.

There are three reasons why we should celebrate God’s faithfulness.

First, it is simply good manners to be thankful. Gratitude reflects good character and strong values.

Second, being thankful honours God. It acknowledges that God is the source of everything we have and the sustainer of our lives. Thanksgiving magnifies God.

Third, thanksgiving attracts God’s blessings. Today, as the Kingdom gathers to give thanks for God’s faithfulness over these past 33 years to the Kabaka and the Kingdom of Buganda, this act of gratitude attracts God’s continued blessings.”

Christine Mirembe

“I was greatly impressed by the organisation of the service, especially the parking team. May God bless everyone who served.

I learnt that giving thanks is a wonderful thing because it pleases God. We should always remain grateful. I was also reminded that we should intentionally engage with our communities because that is how we win souls for Christ.”

Francis Aoli

“I loved the freedom everyone had to speak whichever language they were most comfortable with during the Coronation Thanksgiving Service. Throughout the celebration, there was no political conflict or division. The focus remained on Jesus Christ, and for me, that was the most powerful part of the entire occasion.”

Nicholas Okuku

“The message about appreciation deeply touched me. It reminded me of the importance of living a grateful life. I also want to thank the Buganda Kingdom for preserving its culture because culture is part of our identity.”