The Kabaka traditionally presides over the Masaza Cup final as chief guest, using the tournament to promote unity, sportsmanship and togetherness among his subjects.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke has asked the Prime Minister to reschedule National Cleaning Day activities planned around October 31, 2026, to avoid disrupting the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, from meeting his subjects during the Masaza Cup final.
Nambooze said the national sanitation exercise should be held before October 31 or on November 1 to prevent road closures and other activities from interfering with the Kabaka’s scheduled appearance at the final, which will be contested by Kyaggwe and Gomba counties.
The Kabaka traditionally presides over the Masaza Cup final as chief guest, using the tournament to promote unity, sportsmanship and togetherness among his subjects.
Nambooze warned that blocking roads on a day when the Kabaka is expected to appear before his people would contravene Buganda’s cultural practices.
“It’s a taboo,” Nambooze said, emphasising the cultural significance of the occasion.
Responding to communication by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Nambooze called on the Prime Minister to provide clear guidance on how the two activities could be coordinated to avoid a clash between the national sanitation campaign and the cultural event.
She argued that adjusting the cleaning exercise would allow the government initiative to proceed without inconveniencing people travelling to attend the Masaza Cup final, which attracts large crowds of Buganda subjects.
National Cleaning Day is intended to promote cleanliness and improve sanitation across the country. However, Nambooze said its implementation should take into account major cultural engagements to ensure that government programmes do not interfere with established traditions.
The legislator also joined the Deputy Speaker in welcoming a delegation from the Rwenzururu Kingdom to Parliament, calling for continued support for cultural leaders and institutions.
Her appeal highlights the importance of coordinating national programmes with cultural events, particularly those that attract large gatherings and require smooth movement of people.
The October 31 Masaza Cup final is one of Buganda’s major annual sporting events, bringing together supporters from the competing counties and other parts of the kingdom. The Kabaka’s presence traditionally underscores the tournament’s role in promoting unity and preserving Buganda’s cultural identity.
Nsikonene, Who Married Seven Women on Same Day Elected LC1 Chairperson