The Katikkiro being welcomed at the airport in Boston, U.S.A
Boston, USA — The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, has arrived in the United States to attend the Buganda Bumu North American Convention (BBNAC) 2025, which will take place at the Omni Hotel in Boston from June 23 to June 26.
The Katikkiro stated that the purpose of his visit is to meet Kabaka’s subjects living abroad and deliver a message from His Majesty the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The Katikkiro said, “many of the Kabaka’s subjects live outside Buganda—some are in America, others in Europe, the Arab world, and other countries”.
He went on to say “the main purpose of meeting our people abroad is to update them on what is happening back home and to explain these matters in detail, because when someone is not physically present, it can be difficult for them to follow what’s going on.”
The BBNAC was first held in 2015 and serves as a platform to unite Baganda in the U.S. and neighboring countries, to celebrate them, update them on developments in the kingdom, and give them an opportunity to discuss their circumstances.
This year’s convention is being held under the theme: “Confronting the Challenges of Mental Health and HIV/AIDS,” and will run from June 23 to June 26.
The convention is held every two years in different cities. The most recent edition took place in Seattle. In past years, it has also been hosted on other continents including Europe, South Africa, and some countries in the Arab world.
Highlights of the Katikkiro’s trip and the convention:
- Purpose: To bring together Kabaka’s subjects living abroad, meet them, and deliver the Kabaka’s message.
- Press Briefing: The Katikkiro addressed the media at the start of his trip.
- Delegation: He is accompanied by Ministers, County Chiefs (Abaami b’Amasaza), and officials from various regions.
- History: The convention began in 2015 and is held every two years.
- Theme: “Confronting the Challenges of Mental Health and HIV/AIDS.”
- Culture: The Katikkiro says engaging with cultural identity helps strengthen ties to Buganda and preserve tradition.
- Preparation: Minister Joseph Kawuki was the first to travel to Boston to help organize the convention.
The Katikkiro being welcomed by Kabaka’s representatives from various counties and other officials who arrived earlier in Boston.
The Katikkiro’s message and the significance of the convention
The Katikkiro emphasized that his visit aligns with the kingdom’s mission to uphold and strengthen Buganda’s cultural heritage.
He noted that many Baganda living abroad struggle to access accurate information about the kingdom, and this outreach helps bridge that gap.
He urged Ugandans in the diaspora to always remember their heritage — their clans, the Luganda language, and the importance of their origins — so that they can pass this knowledge on to their children born or raised abroad.
He added that this helps to build stronger families and identities, preventing them from losing themselves in foreign cultures and languages.
The organizing team for the convention includes Kabaka’s representatives based in various diaspora counties.