Watoto Church has welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s thanksgiving service marking the 33rd coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, describing it as an honour to join the Buganda Kingdom in giving thanks to God.
The thanksgiving prayers will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Watoto Church Bweyogerere, making it the first evangelical church to host the annual coronation anniversary thanksgiving service.
Speaking during a meeting with the Katikkiro, Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Senior Pastor and Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, thanked the Buganda Kingdom for entrusting the church with the event.
“As a church, we welcome every opportunity to give thanks to God. The service will glorify God and honour the Kabaka and the people of Buganda. I appreciate the Katikkiro and the organising team for their cooperation throughout the preparation journey,” Pastor Rwotlonyo said.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the decision reflects the kingdom’s commitment to rotating the annual thanksgiving prayers among different faith communities.
“It has become our practice to hold prayers for the anniversary celebrations at different places of worship, and this year, it pleased His Majesty the Kabaka to come to Watoto Church. I am very happy that you agreed to host the service as we pray for the Kabaka, the Kingdom and the country. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to celebrating God’s goodness together,” Mayiga said.
Since 2024, the Buganda Kingdom has shifted from traditional public celebrations to rotational faith-based commemorations, with different religious communities taking turns leading prayers in honour of the Kabaka’s coronation anniversary.
The inaugural edition under the new arrangement was held at Namirembe Cathedral in 2024 and was led by the Anglican faith, while the 2025 thanksgiving service was hosted by the Muslim community at Kibuli Mosque.
This year’s event at Watoto Church Bweyogerere marks another milestone in the kingdom’s interfaith approach to commemorating the Kabaka’s reign.
Watoto Church noted that the thanksgiving service is open to the public and invited worshippers to attend, serve and pray for a God-honouring celebration that gives thanks for His goodness while seeking blessings for the Kabaka, the Buganda Kingdom and the nation.
