The Kingdom of Buganda has urged children to take responsibility for caring for their elderly parents, emphasizing that such devotion attracts blessings and strengthens family and cultural values.
The call was delivered by the First Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda, Prof. Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo, who represented the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, at a thanksgiving ceremony held at Kibaale-Kinoni in Buddu on Sunday.
The function was organised to thank God for the life of 87 year old Mzee Francis Kambayaya Kkukumba, the father of the Buganda Minister for Lukiiko, Information; Cabinet Affairs, Protocol and the Official Kingdom Spokesperson; Noah Kiyimba.
The occasion also celebrated the graduation of 12 grandchildren of the Kkukumba family from various institutions of learning, the blessing of a newly renovated family house, the commissioning of a community well for Kibaale village, and prayers in remembrance of their late mother, Magdalene Kkukumba Nakiwu.
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Speaking at the event, Kaawaase encouraged parents to raise their children with proper values and discipline so that they do not abandon them in old age. He commended the Kkukumba family for setting a positive example.
“What we see in this home is truly commendable. I sincerely thank the children of this family for the great care they have shown their father. They are nursing him well and have even built him a decent house to live in,” he said.
Kawaase further praised Mzee Kkukumba for raising his children in line with cultural norms and religious teachings, noting that the fruits of such upbringing were evident in the thanksgiving Mass held that day.
“The Bible clearly teaches the value of parenthood. We have witnessed strong love for family, for Buganda, and for development in this home. This father was instrumental in founding CBS PEWOSA here, which has since grown into four branches,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister Kiyimba, expressed deep gratitude to God for the life of his father and reflected on the family’s journey together. He thanked all those who have played a role in his father’s life.
Kiyimba also urged students to take their studies seriously, stressing that education is a valuable asset.
“No one will single you out from many others if you are not educated. It is worrying that I now meet students in Senior Four and Senior Six who have already given up on their studies,” he cautioned.
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Addressing the gathering; Buddu County Cheif, Pookino Jude Muleke advised the people of Buddu not to be swayed by gifts and handouts from politicians, urging them instead to vote conscientiously and independently.
The Clan Head of the Empologoma (Lion) Clan, Omutaka Namuguzi, applauded Mzee Kkukumba for the love he has shown his children and for raising them with good morals, which he said has contributed greatly to their success.
The Holy Mass was led by Rev. Fr. Timothy Ssemwogerere, the Parish Priest of Butende, who thanked Mzee Kkukumba for raising his children well and making sacrifices for their education.
He urged the children of the family to live by the words of the late Nelson Mandela, noting that a person’s education is reflected in the positive changes they create in the community in which they live.
The ceremony was attended by several ministers of the Kabaka, including the Minister in charge of Social Development, Health and Education, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko; Minister for Agriculture, Trade & Cooperatives, Hajj Amisi Kakomo; and the Minister for Culture, Heritage, Tourism, and Security, Anthony Wamala. Others present were the Speaker of the Council of Clan Heads, Namwama Augustine Kizito Mutumba, Pookino Jude Muleke, Kaggo Hajj Ahmed Matovu Magandaazi, Kitunzi Fred Mugabi, the Senior Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Katikkiro, Josephine Nantege Ssemanda, other officials from the Kabaka’s government, as well as members of the general public.
The event stood as a strong testimony to the values of family unity, respect for elders, education, and community development upheld by the Buganda Kingdom.