The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has commended the National Unity Platform (NUP) for adopting the Ugandan flag as a symbol in its ongoing presidential campaign, describing the gesture as a sign of unity and national cohesion.
The remarks were made on Monday morning when NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, paid a courtesy visit to the Buganda Kingdom headquarters at Bulange, Mengo, ahead of his Rubaga Division campaign trail.
Photos of the Katikkiro warmly embracing Kyagulanyi quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread public discussion. The two later held a private meeting behind closed doors, with journalists excluded.
Addressing NUP leaders and supporters at the Bulange gardens after the meeting, Katikkiro Mayiga thanked Kyagulanyi and his team for recognising the importance of cultural identity and roots.
“I want to thank you for coming—not just for coming, but for appreciating that it is very important to know your roots before embarking on anything,” Mayiga said.
He specifically praised NUP’s decision to use the national flag during its campaigns, noting that the move reflects unity.
“I want to thank you for choosing the concept of using the Uganda flag during these campaigns. That gesture is good because it shows unity. Uganda is united, and those who do not know that should know. Uganda is a small country, but it is enough for all of us,” he added.
The Katikkiro also advised Kyagulanyi on leadership, emphasizing that a leader must remain a unifying force. He urged him to engage constructively when challenges arise and to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than public confrontation.
Mayiga further called upon security agencies to maintain peace and refrain from using excessive force against opposition supporters.
In his remarks, Kyagulanyi thanked the Katikkiro for the warm reception and used the platform to accuse President Yoweri Museveni of deliberately fostering divisions within Buganda for political gain.
“Our political rivals deliberately want to divide the people of Buganda to create the impression that they cannot cooperate. At times, they create instability among the Baganda and use Baganda to suffocate voices that promote love, unity and stability,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi was accompanied by NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, Betty Nambooze, Muwanga Kivumbi, the NUP president for Buganda, among other party leaders.
Access to Bulange proved difficult as several roads leading to the kingdom headquarters were closed during the visit.
Following the meeting, the NUP team proceeded to Wankulukuku for their first rally of the day before later heading to Nansana in the evening.
