The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to ensure the city’s rapid modernisation does not erase its historical ties to Buganda.
Speaking during a KCCA courtesy visit to the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Mengo on Wednesday, Mayiga said Kampala’s history should be reflected in its infrastructure, public spaces and identity.
He called on KCCA to establish a distinctive symbol that captures the history of Kampala as the former seat of the Buganda Kingdom before it became Uganda’s national capital.
“KCCA should come up with a symbol related to the Kingdom and the history of Uganda and Kampala.”
Mayiga said preserving Kampala’s historical identity was part of protecting Uganda’s broader cultural heritage.
He commended KCCA and the central government for upgrading and maintaining roads across the city, describing improved infrastructure as an important sign of development.
He also welcomed the construction and renovation of markets, saying organised trading spaces could improve conditions for vendors.
However, Mayiga cautioned KCCA against implementing the new trade order in a way that could cause financial losses to traders who have already invested in stalls.
“We support the trade order, but there is a need to stop vendors before they construct their stalls because they cost some money. They need to have recognised places where they can operate from.”
Mayiga said street vending and food businesses could be organised and promoted as tourist attractions if operators were provided with designated spaces and clear guidelines.
He cited cities where organised street-food businesses have become tourist attractions, saying Kampala could explore a similar model.
On traffic congestion, Mayiga urged KCCA and the central government to prioritise mass transit systems, particularly trains and buses, as a long-term solution to the city’s transport challenges.
He said efficient public transport would ease congestion without undermining people’s livelihoods.
Mayiga also pledged Buganda Kingdom’s support for KCCA’s Weyonje cleaning campaign and National Cleaning Day.
However, he said the Kingdom needed clearer logistical arrangements, including assurances that garbage trucks would be available, before fully committing its support.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki said closer cooperation with Buganda was essential because Kampala is located within the Kingdom’s historical territory.
“Whatever we are doing, we are in Buganda; we cannot sit at City Hall and not engage with Buganda.
”Buzeki said KCCA and the Kingdom had already been collaborating on the implementation of the trade order and thanked Kampala residents for their cooperation.
Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga said the visit to Mengo was also an opportunity to appreciate the Kabaka for allowing his subjects to participate in politics and public leadership.
Balimwezo, who left Parliament to contest for the Lord Mayor’s position, said Kampala’s development would require continued engagement between the city authorities and Buganda Kingdom.
“We cannot build the Kampala we want unless we engage with the Kingdom for better development and blessings for the betterment of Kampala.”
He also called for Kampala’s leadership to be involved in any future discussions on relocating the national capital or moving major government functions outside the city.
Balimwezo said city leaders should participate in decisions affecting Kampala’s future and ensure development benefits residents while preserving the city’s historical connection to Buganda-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
