Sir Edward Muteesa II: A Legacy of Leadership, Style, and Family

Sir Edward Muteesa II, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda, remains a towering figure in the history of Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom. His reign, marked by resilience, political acumen, and a deep commitment to his people,  left an indelible mark on Buganda’s status quo today.

Achievements and Legacy

Muteesa II’s leadership was pivotal during a transformative period for Buganda and Uganda. Ascending to the throne in 1939 at the tender age of 15, he navigated the complexities of colonial rule and the push for independence.

His most notable achievement was his role in Uganda’s journey to independence. As the first President of Uganda from 1963 to 1966, Muteesa II symbolized the unity and aspirations of a newly independent nation.

His defiance against British colonial plans to integrate Buganda into a larger East African federation showcased his dedication to Buganda’s autonomy.

This stance led to his exile in 1953, but his triumphant return in 1955 under the Buganda Agreement solidified his status as a national hero²³. Muteesa II’s efforts laid the groundwork for Buganda’s current semi-autonomous status within Uganda, preserving its cultural heritage and political influence.

Fashion and Style

Muteesa II was not only a political figure but also a style icon. His fashion sense was a blend of traditional Buganda attire and Western influences, reflecting his education and experiences abroad.

He often donned the traditional Kanzu, a long white robe, paired with a Western-style suit jacket, symbolizing a fusion of cultures.

His regal appearance was complemented by his dignified demeanor, making him a symbol of elegance and authority.

Family and Children

Sir Edward Muteesa II was a father to 21 children, including 12 sons and 9 daughters¹³. Among them is the current Kabaka of Buganda, **Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II**. Born in 1955, Mutebi’s childhood was marked by the political upheavals of his father’s reign. Despite these challenges, Muteesa II ensured that his son received a robust education, both in Uganda and abroad⁷⁸.

Mutebi’s early years were spent at the Bamunanika Palace and later at Luwangula Primary School. His father, Muteesa II, instilled in him a deep understanding of Buganda’s traditions and the importance of leadership. This upbringing was crucial in preparing Mutebi for his future role as Kabaka. The bond between father and son was strong, with Muteesa II’s influence evident in Mutebi’s leadership style and commitment to Buganda’s welfare⁷⁸.

Conclusion

Sir Edward Muteesa II’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering dedication to Buganda and Uganda. His achievements in securing Buganda’s autonomy, his distinctive fashion sense, and his role as a father have left an enduring impact. Today, Buganda continues to thrive, guided by the principles and values that Muteesa II championed throughout his life. His story is one of resilience, elegance, and profound influence, inspiring future generations.

SIR EDWARD MUTEESA’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS

ABALANGIRA

THE DEPARTED (RIP)

THE SONS OF SSEKABAKA SIR EDWARD FREDERICK WILLIAM MUTEESA II

1. Prince Kiweewa Luswata: The first son of Kabaka Muteesa II, he was born in Wakiso and lived and studied in France. He passed away in the early 1990s and was buried at Kasubi Tombs in Nabulagala.
2. Prince Robert Masamba Kimera: Born in Kampala in 1950, his mother was Nesta M. Rugumayo. He worked as a geologist with the Swaziland Department of Geology from 1980 to 1983 and was a lecturer at Nakawa Vocational School from 1991 to 1992. In 1993, he settled in Canada.
3. Prince (Omulangira) David Francis Ssuuna Kayima Ssezzibwa: Born in Kitovu, Masaka, his mother was Muzaana Mary Nabweteme of the Lungfish (Mmamba) clan. He was a teacher and psychologist. He died in Denmark and was interred in Bugembegembe royal tombs in Wakiso.
4. Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II: His mother is Sarah Nalule.
5. Prince (Omulangira) Ssuuna Frederick Wampamba: His mother was Edith Kasozi. He was a commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the Uganda Army and was killed on the orders of Idi Amin at Bombo in 1972. He is buried at Kasubi Tombs in Nabulagala.
6. Prince (Omulangira) Henry Kalemeera: His mother was Damali Nnakawombe. He is an aeronautical engineer who settled in the United States and worked as a flight engineer with American Airlines.
7. Prince (Omulangira) George Michael Ndawula: His mother was Muzaana Nalwoga.
8. Prince (Omulangira) Joseph Ndawula: His mother was Muzaana Nzera Nabakooza. He has worked with foreign services and currently serves as Uganda’s representative to Namibia.
9. Prince (Omulangira) Richard Walugembe Bamweyana: His mother is Sarah Nalule. Born in 1956, he worked in the fashion and advertising industries and died in the 2000s. He was buried at Kasubi Tombs in Nabulagala.
10. Prince (Omulangira) Patrick Nakibinge: His mother was Sarah Lukanyamagulu Nalule. He died in the 2000s and is buried at Kasubi Tombs in Nabulagala.
11. Prince (Omulangira) Daudi Golooba: An accountant, he is a founding member and chairman of the Buganda Heritage Association of the United Kingdom and Ireland (founded in 1998) and has settled in the UK.

Research regarding King Frederick Muteesa’s children highlights one notable son who died in 1972:

• Prince Yusuf Suna Lulambulankoola: At about 20 years old, he served in Amin’s forces in Uganda. It is widely believed that he was murdered on the orders of President Amin during the tribalistic army purges of the early 1970s. He was popular among the Buganda elite, who hoped he would inspire Buganda youth to join the army.

1. Prince (Omulangira) Herbert Kateregga: His mother was Kaakako Rwanchwende. He has settled in the UK.
2. Prince (Omulangira) Daudi Kintu Wasajja: Born in Kampala in May 1966, after his father had left Uganda, his mother is Winifred Keihangwe. He is a member of the Buganda Land Board and lives in Kampala

ABAMBEJJA(PRINCESS’S)

THE DAUGHTERS OF SSEKABAKA SIR EDWARD FREDERICK WILLIAM MUTEESA II

1. Princess (Omumbejja) Dorothy Kabonesa Naamukaabya Nassolo: Born in 1951 at Mengo Palace, her mother was Damali Nakawombe Kisonsonkole. She is a graduate of the University of Nairobi and lives in Kampala.
2. Princess (Omumbejja) Dina Kigga Mukarukidi: Her mother is Beatrice Kabasweka. She works at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. Princess (Omumbejja) Anne Sarah Kagere Nandawula: Born at Mengo in 1951, her mother is Kate Ndagire.
4. Princess (Omumbejja) Catherine Agnes Nabaloga: Her mother is Kate Ndagire. She was installed as the Lubuga during the coronation of her brother, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the thirty-sixth Kabaka of Buganda.
5. Princess (Omumbejja) Alice Mpologoma Zaalwango: Born in 1961, her mother was Edith Kasozi. She died in Pretoria, South Africa, from breast cancer on March 23, 2005, and is buried at Kasubi.
6. Princess (Omumbejja) Stella Alexandria Sserwamutanda Ndagire: Born in Nairobi, Kenya, to Zibiah Wangari Ngatho, a Kikuyu. She was raised in both Kampala and Nairobi and settled in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
7. Princess (Omumbejja) Jane Mpologoma Nabanakulya: Born on April 12, 1964, in Sunga Village, Buyaga County, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. Her mother is Omuzaana Naome Nanyonga. In 2003, she moved to London, England.
8. Princess (Omumbejja) Gertrude Christine Naabanaakulya Tebattagwabwe: Born at Mengo Hospital on August 20, 1964. Her mother is Margaret Nakato of Nkumba, Busiro County. She grew up in Uganda until the age of nine, when she relocated to London, England, where she studied to become an accountant. She returned to Uganda in May 2013.
9. Diana Balizzamuggale Teyeggala: The youngest child, born in Kampala in October 1966 after her father went into exile. Her mother is Catherine Karungu, an Ankole princess. Teyeggala never saw her father alive and currently resides in Kampala.