Following a courtesy call at the City Campus on April 15th , 2026, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda, proceeded to the MUST Kihumuro Main Campus. Located 7km from the city, the campus erupted in jubilation as the Katikkiro was welcomed with vibrant energy.
His first act was symbolic: planting a mango tree near the student hostels. As he broke the soil, he offered a blessing for the university’s future:
“I bring blessings from Buddu. May this university grow to be notable, admirable, and always stand out. Let this tree serve as a symbol of the university’s fruitfulness.”
Witnessing Innovation Firsthand: The Katikkiro’s tour showcased MUST’s transition into a powerhouse of science. He visited the Production Laboratory, observing the manufacturing of therapeutic products, and toured the Pharmbiotrac Museum. He concluded his technical tour at the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, expressing pride in the home-grown solutions being developed by Ugandan scientists.
The Grand Assembly: Inside a packed auditorium, hundreds of students and staff greeted the Katikkiro. A diverse choir performed the national and cultural anthems in beautiful harmony, setting a prestigious tone for the afternoon.
Ms. Angella Nakato Muyingo, the Public Relations Officer, formally introduced the university community. She traced MUST’s remarkable evolution from its humble 1989 beginnings starting with just 43 medical students under founding Vice-Chancellor Prof. Frederick I.B. Kayanja to its current population of over 6,000 students across six faculties. She highlighted that under the leadership of Prof. Celestino Obua and now Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, MUST has become a leader in community outreach and human capital formation.
Mr. Abel Kamya, Chairperson of the Baganda Nkobazambogo MUST Chapter, welcomed the delegation to the Ankole–Kigezi region. He traced the roots of the Nkobazambogo movement in Western Uganda back to the 1990s, thanking the university management for allowing students to express their cultural identity freely.
Leadership and Vision: Dr. Fred Kaggwa, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics and Patron of Nkobazambogo, expressed gratitude to His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for reaching out to the youth through this visit. He emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for community empowerment.
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Acting Vice-Chancellor, described the Katikkiro as a global inspiration. He encouraged students to emulate his commitment to good governance and service. Prof. Ngonzi also addressed the growing pains of a rapidly expanding institution, calling for public–private partnerships to help expand student accommodation at the Kihumuro Campus.
The Land of Milk and Honey: In a show of deep cultural respect, the “Friends of Buganda” in the region together with the Baganda students presented the Katikkiro with traditional gifts from the land of milk and honey. He received:
- Milk served in a traditional gourd known as an Ekyanzi.
- Fresh Ghee and local Honey.
- An Endiiro (a traditional cultural basket for food).
- A MUST lapel pin and a commemorative plaque.
Gifts were also presented to Owek. Joseph Kawuuki and Owek. Hajji Mutaasa Kafeero for their continued support of the university and the annual Kabaka Birthday Run.
In a spirited and warmly received address, Hajji Mutaasa Kafeero expressed his profound gratitude to the Katikkiro for visiting the region and commended the MUST administration and the Baganda Students Association for their exceptional teamwork and hospitality. He specifically lauded the “MUST family” for their active participation in the Kabaka Birthday
Run, highlighting their commitment to the Kingdom’s health initiatives. The highlight of his remarks came when he introduced his family with a witty metaphor to describe his wives calling one the “Head Girl,” another the “Battery,” and his current bride the “Stabilizer” while jokingly promising to find another bride in the future. He appreciated the cooperation and spirit of togetherness within his family, noting that such unity is a key aspect of development. His humorous delivery left the audience in stitches for several minutes before he concluded by reaffirming the region’s loyalty to the Throne and wishing the Katikkiro a successful visit.
Owek. Joseph Kawuki, Minister of Local Government, Kabaka’s Tours and Diaspora Affairs in Buganda kingdom, expressed appreciation to the students in the region and acknowledged the leaders representing the Kingdom across various institutions.
He also introduced the county chiefs from Butambala, Gomba, and Kyadondo, who accompanied the Katikkiro on his visit to the region.
Owek. Kawuki warmly welcomed the Katikkiro, noting the importance of the visit in strengthening unity, coordination, and engagement between the Buganda Kingdom leadership, students, and institutions of higher learning in the Ankole–Kigezi region.
The Katikkiro’s Keynote: Education as Liberation
In a powerful address, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga reassured the audience that the Kabaka is in good health and thanked the region for their participation in the King’s recent birthday celebrations.
He spoke passionately about the intersection of culture and intellect:
“True education must include an understanding of one’s identity, language, and heritage. An educated person who does not know their culture is incomplete.”
He likened Uganda’s cultural diversity to a peacock’s feathers, stating that the country’s strength lies in its various colors whether Banyankole, Bakiga, Langi, or Baganda.
Turning to the students, he issued a challenge:
- Education as a Right: He asserted that education is a basic human right, not a “sacrifice” parents make, but a fundamental responsibility.
- The Tool of Liberation: He declared education the most effective tool for liberation in Africa—far superior to force or conflict—urging students to master science and technology to transform the continent.
A Lasting Bond: Closing the event, the Katikkiro praised the choir’s harmony and expressed his surprise and humility at the thoughtful gifts.
The visit of the Katikkiro to Mbarara University of Science and Technology stands as a significant milestone. It reinforced the vital idea that universities are not just centers for academic degrees, but platforms where cultural dialogue and modern innovation meet to build a stronger nation.
