Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze has revealed details of her unexpected meeting with the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, during the Masaza Cup final held last weekend at Wankulukuku Stadium. The brief encounter attracted public attention after pictures showing the legislator kneeling before the Kabaka circulated widely on social media.
Nambooze explained that she had not expected to meet the King when she travelled to the stadium to watch the final between Kyaggwe and Gomba. She attended the match alongside her husband, Henry Bakireke, but received several phone calls from a senior Buganda Kingdom official while on her way, urging her to arrive early because the Kabaka wanted her to sit in the VIP section.
According to the legislator, she only discovered that the King wanted to speak to her after settling into her seat. One of the Kabaka’s security guards approached her and informed her that His Majesty wished to meet her, leaving her surprised because she had not prepared for such an important encounter.
Nambooze disclosed that she was casually dressed in a black tracksuit, a black cap and a green T-shirt. She joked that had she known she would meet the Kabaka, she would have dressed in a traditional gomesi. She also revealed that she initially approached the King while still wearing her cap before the Katikkiro reminded her to remove it as a sign of respect.
During their approximately six-minute conversation, the Kabaka reportedly discussed several important issues concerning the welfare of children and young people in Buganda. Nambooze said the King expressed appreciation for the efforts of leaders and residents of Kyaggwe in encouraging young people and supporting activities that bring them together.
The legislator further revealed that Kabaka Mutebi encouraged her to continue supporting young people, particularly by helping them overcome hopelessness and find opportunities that can improve their lives. The King reportedly emphasised the importance of unity, cultural values, trust and maintaining hope among the people of Buganda.
Nambooze also said the Kabaka wanted young people to understand that the Masaza Cup should not only be about enjoying football but also an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Buganda Kingdom’s agenda. He reportedly questioned whether the young people who attend the football matches pay attention to the Kingdom’s programmes and understand the broader purpose behind the competitions.
The Masaza Cup remains one of Buganda’s major cultural and sporting events, bringing together counties through football while promoting unity, talent development and cultural identity. Nambooze’s revelation has since attracted attention, with her brief meeting with the Kabaka highlighting the importance he attaches to youth empowerment and the continued involvement of leaders in promoting the Kingdom’s values and development agenda.
