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President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday sparked concerns after he publicly questioned the use of the title “His Majesty” for the Kabaka of Buganda.
Museveni remarked that traditionally, the monarch was addressed as His Highness, not His Majesty.
He expressed surprise and some frustration at the change, saying, saying he was never consulted.
“I was never consulted; I, the person who restored the Kabakaship, no one came to ask me what to do. My job was done, now I’m not needed anymore.”
These comments come amid ongoing sensitivities around the Buganda Kingdom’s role in Uganda’s political and cultural landscape.
Restoration of Traditional Institutions
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The Kabakaship and other traditional institutions in Uganda were abolished in 1966 by then Prime Minister Milton Obote, who saw them as a threat to national unity and his political control.
This ban lasted for nearly three decades until 1993, when Museveni’s government formally restored these cultural institutions as part of efforts to acknowledge Uganda’s diverse ethnic heritage and promote national cohesion.
Buganda, being the largest and most influential kingdom in Uganda, regained official recognition, allowing the Kabaka to resume his cultural leadership.
The restoration was widely welcomed but came with limits, as traditional kingdoms were made cultural entities without political power.
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Strained Relations and Symbolic Titles
Despite the restoration, relations between the central government and Buganda Kingdom have been fragile.
Issues such as land disputes, autonomy, and cultural recognition have sparked tensions over the years.
Museveni’s remarks on the Kabaka’s title touch on deeper sensitivities around authority and respect.
While the shift from “His Highness” to “His Majesty” may seem a minor protocol change, it could symbolise broader questions about the kingdom’s status and influence.
His Majesty or His Highness?
In English, the difference between the titles “His Highness” and “His Majesty” lies mainly in the rank and status they signify:
· His Majesty: This title is traditionally reserved for kings and queens — sovereign monarchs who rule over a kingdom or empire. It conveys the highest level of royal authority and sovereignty. For example, the British monarch is referred to as "His Majesty the King" or "Her Majesty the Queen."
· His Highness: This title is typically used for princes, dukes, or other members of royal or noble families who are not reigning monarchs. It indicates a high rank but below that of a king or queen. For example, a prince or a ruler of a smaller principality might be called "His Highness."
So, calling someone “His Majesty” implies they hold the supreme royal authority, whereas “His Highness” suggests a royal status but without full sovereign power. The distinction reflects hierarchy and the scope of authority within royal and noble titles.