The Ndiga Kibuuka Community Museum is set to host a grand cultural dinner under the theme “Restoring the Glory of Kibuuka Omumbaale Through the Preservation of Nature,” on 18th July 2025 at 3:00 PM, in the Africa Hall at Hotel Africana, Kampala. This historic gathering is more than just a dinner; it marks the launch of a powerful cultural movement to revive and protect one of Buganda’s most revered ancestral legacies.
The event will feature exhibitions, storytelling, and performances centered on the life and legacy of Kibuuka Omumbaale—a legendary warrior, spiritual guardian, and cultural icon in the Buganda Kingdom. The dinner will also kick off a long-term project to establish the Kibuuka Omumbaale Cultural Museum, aimed at preserving both tangible and intangible heritage associated with the historic figure.
A Call to Reclaim History
Speaking at a pre-event press conference, Minister of State for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance, one of Ndiga community leaders, Joyce Ssebugwawo, emphasized the mission’s urgency. “We launch not just a dinner. We launch a mission—a mission to restore glory, to rebuild identity, and to protect the sacred,” she said.
Kibuuka Omumbaale is remembered not only as a fierce warrior who expanded Buganda’s territories but also as a spiritual symbol intimately tied to the land, forests, and shrines that once bore his name. Yet, with time, many of these sacred sites have suffered neglect, while the memory of their significance has faded among younger generations.
Cultural Revival through Environmental Stewardship
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that cultural preservation must go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. “To protect our environment is to protect our ancestors,” Ssebugwawo stated. The campaign aims to rehabilitate key historical and natural sites associated with Kibuuka, fostering both ecological restoration and cultural revival.
The evening will bring together elders, cultural custodians, government partners, and the public to raise awareness and funds. Guests will be encouraged to sponsor tables, and the proceeds will support museum development and site restoration.
Honoring the Past, Securing the Future
More than a tribute to history, the dinner represents a broader vision for Uganda’s cultural development. “When we restore Kibuuka’s glory, we restore our people’s dignity. When we preserve his sacred grounds, we renew our covenant with the land,” said Ssebugwawo.
Attendees can expect a rich program that celebrates Buganda’s cultural resilience, honoring past victories and forging a path toward future pride and sustainability.
