On the historic day of 23rd May 2026, the hills and plains of Rakai stood still in regal splendour as the people of Kooki Kingdom and beyond gathered to commemorate the 22nd Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Highness, The Kamuswaga of Kooki Kingdom. This was not an ordinary celebration. It was a testament to resilience, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of a kingdom that has stood firm through time, tradition, and transition.
Traditionally, this sacred event is held every year on the 15th day of May. However, the 2026 edition bore unique circumstances that demanded wisdom over rigidity. For the first time in recent memory, the newly elected President of the Republic of Uganda was sworn into office on the same day originally designated for the coronation. His Excellency, being the Chief Guest of the kingdom’s foremost cultural event, could not preside over two national duties of such magnitude on a single day.
Adding to the complexity was the unpredictable outbreak of Ebola disease in parts of Uganda. Health advisories from both the central government and the kingdom’s own medical council urged caution. In response to these twin realities—national protocol and public safety—the Kingdom Council, under the direct guidance of His Royal Highness, made the difficult but wise decision to extend the event to the 23rd day of May 2026.
That decision proved prophetic. The heavens themselves seemed to approve, as the 23rd dawned bright and serene over Rakai. The venue was a masterwork of cultural elegance: royal colours of purple and gold draped every corner, traditional drums stood poised, and the air was thick with the scent of bark cloth and incense. It was not merely an anniversary; it was a declaration that Kooki endures.
The ceremony was honoured by a distinguished array of government officials, cultural leaders from sister kingdoms, and representatives of Uganda’s modern republic. In a moment of profound diplomatic grace, the President of Uganda—though unavoidably absent—was ably represented by Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune. Speaking on behalf of the First Citizen, Hon. Kyeyune conveyed the President’s heartfelt gratitude to His Royal Highness The Kamuswaga for his visionary leadership, particularly in maintaining discipline, preserving cultural norms and behaviour, and championing the promotion of cultural diversity across Uganda.
Hon. Kyeyune’s words echoed through the grounds: “The President sees The Kamuswaga not only as a cultural father but as a pillar of moral authority in this nation.” The crowd responded with a thunderous ovation, affirming the deep respect between the kingdom and the central government.
A towering presence at the event was Owekitibwa Idi Kiwanuka, the Katukiro (Prime Minister) of Kooki Kingdom. In a stirring address that will be quoted for generations, the Katukiro reminded every son and daughter of Kooki that there is no other kingdom, no other king, and no other heritage they shall ever claim. “Love Kooki with all you have,” he declared. “For Kooki is not just land—it is blood, it is identity, it is destiny.” His words were not mere rhetoric; they were a covenant renewed.
The kingdom’s administrative machinery was on full display. The Deputy Katukiro in charge of Kingdom Administration & Finance, Owekitibwa Godfrey Kimbugwe, was present, ensuring that every logistical and ceremonial element proceeded without fault. His meticulous oversight ensured that the event balanced royal grandeur with financial prudence—a hallmark of modern Kooki governance.
Equally instrumental was the Deputy Katukiro of Obwakamuswaga, Owekitibwa Herbert Nsubuga, who also serves as the Personal Private Secretary (PPS) to His Royal Highness. Owekitibwa Nsubuga coordinated the king’s itinerary with such seamlessness that the monarch appeared both transcendent and accessible—a rare balance that speaks to Nsubuga’s decades of loyalty and competence.
The Speaker of Obwakamuswaga, Owekitibwa Richard Segwanyi, graced the function with his characteristic eloquence. It was he who welcomed the king’s friends, dignitaries, and guests from near and far. “To every visitor who has crossed rivers and ridges to stand with us today,” he said, “you are no longer guests. You are family of Kooki.” His welcome speech set a tone of warmth that never faded throughout the day.
In a powerful display of inter-kingdom solidarity, several royal fathers honoured the occasion with their presence. Among them was His Royal Highness Isabaruli Mwatyansozi Mwogezi Bytamanya of Buruuli Kingdom, whose regal poise drew admiration. Also present was His Royal Highness Robert Obara of Omwenengo Bwa Bugwe, a steadfast ally of the Kamuswaga. His Royal Highness Captain Baker Kimeze of Bunyara Kingdom added a distinguished military bearing to the royal assembly.
These three kings were escorted by Hon. Ambassador George Atim, the Secretary General of the Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum (UKCLF). Ambassador Atim spoke briefly but powerfully about the unity of Uganda’s cultural institutions, noting that Kooki remains a model of how tradition and modernity can coexist without conflict.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were represented in a manner that left no one in doubt about the cordial relationship between the kingdom and the military. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, though absent due to prior national assignments, sent his warm regards. In his stead, a high-level delegation attended, including Colonel James Kato Kalyebara, whose connection to Kooki runs deep through both ancestry and service.
Adding a majestic auditory spectacle, the professional military band from Sango Bay provided a royal escort that stirred the souls of all present. As the band marched in precision, playing both traditional martial airs and carefully selected cultural melodies, even the most stoic elders were seen tapping their feet. The royal escort itself was a moving testament to the kingdom’s stature.
The event drew an extraordinary cross-section of Ugandan society. From the rolling hills of Kooki to the neighbouring regions of Buganda, Bunyoro, and Busoga, the people came. They came in busuuti and kanzu, in military uniform and business attire, in youth council regalia and religious vestments. Speaking of faith, all major religious traditions were represented—Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Seventh-day Adventist—each offering prayers for the king and the kingdom.
A special mention must be made of the Youth Council of the Royal Family of Buganda, whose presence signalled a new generation of cultural cooperation. Their delegation sat with the youth of Kooki, exchanging ideas on heritage preservation and digital storytelling. It was a beautiful reminder that culture is not a relic but a living conversation between ages.
At the parish level, the leadership of Kooki was fully represented. From every sub-county, every village, the local administrators stood proud. They were not mere spectators; they were active custodians of the Kamuswaga’s vision, taking back to their communities the charge to develop Kooki without losing its soul.
The media fraternity of Kooki Kingdom, which I have the honour to lead, was fully mobilized. Our cameras captured every embrace, every dance, every royal nod. We ensured that those who could not attend—whether due to Ebola restrictions or distance—still witnessed the glory of this day through our broadcasts and digital channels. As the head of this fraternity, I affirm our commitment to telling Kooki’s story with accuracy, dignity, and pride.
Looking back on the 22nd Coronation Anniversary, what stands out is not merely the pageantry but the message: Kooki is united, Kooki is developing, and Kooki is open. Under the wise reign of His Royal Highness The Kamuswaga, the kingdom has embraced modern governance while holding fast to its ancient roots. Roads are being built, schools are being supported, and cultural tourism is being reimagined.
To the people of Kooki, whether you live in Rakai, Kampala, or beyond our borders: let this day remind you that your kingdom is seen, respected, and rising. The Kamuswaga reigns not over ruins but over a renaissance. Let us walk forward together—disciplined, proud, and unshaken.
Long live His Royal Highness The Kamuswaga of Kooki Kingdom.
Long live the Kingdom of Kooki.
Long live the cultural diversity of Uganda.
Article by:
Buule Edwin Joshua
Head of Media Fraternity, Kooki Kingdom
Official Storyteller & Archivist for the 22nd Coronation Anniversary
Contact: via Kooki Kingdom Press Office
Credits: Special appreciation to the Katukiro’s office, the Deputy Katukiro for Administration & Finance, the Deputy Katukiro of Obwakamuswaga, the Speaker of Obwakamuswaga, the Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum, the UPDF, the royal guests from Buruuli, Omwenengo Bwa Bugwe, and Bunyara, the Youth Council of Buganda Royal Family, all religious leaders, parish leadership, and every citizen who made this day historic.