Buganda Kingdom has challenged members of the Buganda Lukiiko to redefine their role beyond debating issues in the Kingdom’s legislature, urging them to become a source of innovative ideas capable of driving Buganda’s social and economic transformation.
The message dominated the opening of the Buganda Lukiiko retreat at Mengo on where the Kingdom’s top leadership called on legislators to uphold integrity, professionalism and a stronger sense of public service.
Opening the retreat, the Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, Mr Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, said the annual gathering is intended to give members time to reflect on their work over the past year, assess their performance and identify ways of improving service to the people of Buganda.
He said the retreat also strengthens unity among members and provides an opportunity to align their work with the Kingdom’s priorities.
‘This retreat allows us to evaluate how we have served the Kingdom during the past year and determine how we can become better representatives of our people,’ Mr Mugumbule said.
He described the retreat as an important governance tool and appealed to the Kingdom leadership to institutionalise it as a permanent programme within the Buganda calendar.
The retreat is being held under the theme, ‘Raising the Standard and Conduct of Members of the Buganda Lukiiko.’
Delivering the keynote address, Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga said the effectiveness of the Lukiiko will not be measured by the number of meetings it holds but by the quality of ideas generated by its members.
‘The greatest responsibility of a Lukiiko member is to think. Nations develop because of ideas. When ideas are lacking, development stagnates,’ Mr Mayiga said.
He challenged legislators to move beyond their ceremonial status and actively contribute solutions to the challenges facing Buganda.
According to the Katikkiro, members should first understand the Kingdom’s development programmes before attempting to explain or defend them in their constituencies.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were the Mwanyi Terimba coffee campaign, the Kingdom’s housing and brick-making projects, staff welfare reforms and the Situla Omutindo programme.
He urged legislators to critically assess these initiatives and propose practical improvements instead of merely supporting them.
Using the Ente ya Kabaka programme as an example, Mr Mayiga challenged members to ask themselves what new ideas they could contribute to strengthen agriculture rather than simply praising existing projects.
He posed similar questions about trade, asking whether businesses in Buganda are operating sustainably, keeping proper records and contributing meaningfully to economic growth.
He said legislators should provide answers to such questions through policy recommendations and practical proposals.
Mr Mayiga also reflected on the history of the Buganda Lukiiko, describing it as one of the Kingdom’s oldest governance institutions.
He said the Lukiiko has evolved from a traditional council of clan leaders advising the Kabaka to a modern legislative institution whose members are appointed by the Kabaka to represent the interests of Buganda.
Katikkiro noted that although the structure of the Lukiiko has changed over the years, its core mission remains unchanged: providing ideas that strengthen the Kingdom and improve the welfare of its people.
He commended members who have supported the Mwanyi Terimba initiative, saying it has enabled many families to improve their incomes through coffee growing.
Beyond policy discussions, Mr Mayiga reminded members that leadership is also judged by personal conduct.
He said titles alone do not command public respect, arguing that true leadership is earned through integrity, discipline, humility and dedication to service.
‘The respect people give you should come from your conduct and commitment to serving them, not simply because you hold office,’ he said.
He added that as the retreat continues, members are expected to deliberate on ways of strengthening representation, improving oversight of Kingdom programmes and enhancing the contribution of the Buganda Lukiiko to the Kingdom’s development.