King Mswati III Strengthens Cultural and Developmental Ties During Visit to Busoga Kingdom

King Mswati III of Eswatini, accompanied by his wife, Queen Inkhosikati Make Lamashwama, and a high-level delegation, spent his second day of a state visit to Uganda in the culturally rich Busoga Kingdom. The King was warmly received by His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga (King) of Busoga, and Queen Jovia Mutesi on August 15, 2024.

The visit featured a series of cultural exchanges and discussions aimed at strengthening ties between the Kingdom of Eswatini and Busoga. King Mswati III expressed his pleasure at the warm reception, stating, "We are here to strengthen cooperation and build ties between our kingdoms. Our obligation is to work together through several areas of cooperation to improve the lives of our people." The King highlighted the importance of such exchanges in reinforcing the cultural bonds that unite African nations.

The Kyabazinga, in his address, emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that it marked a special day in the history of Busoga. He praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fostering strong bilateral relations between Uganda and Eswatini, which have laid the foundation for cultural and developmental partnerships. "Today is a special day in the history of Busoga as we continue to strengthen our relationship with the mighty Kingdom of Eswatini through embracing unity of purpose, brotherhood, and safeguarding the present and future generations through promoting our culture and heritage," the Kyabazinga said.

King Mswati III also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the invitation, which he believes will further solidify the relationship between the two nations. He commended the cultural richness of Busoga, remarking, "I’m happy to be here and to see the cultural norms of Busoga Kingdom. When the Kyabazinga visited Eswatini, we also shared a bit of our culture, and he told me he was so happy to see that. I was looking forward to coming and witnessing this culture."

The King of Eswatini extended a gesture of goodwill by offering land in Eswatini for the Kyabazinga to keep the cattle he was gifted during his recent visit to Eswatini. "When the King visited us, I gave him a gift of Eswatini cows to strengthen our brotherhood. So, I invite him to Eswatini so that I can get him land to keep his cattle," King Mswati said.

The event was attended by several high-profile Ugandan officials, including Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, and Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, among others. Rt.

Hon. Kadaga lauded King Mswati III for his visit and for fostering the growing relationship between the people of Busoga and Eswatini. "We want to thank our King, the Kyabazinga, for building bridges by visiting Eswatini. This marks the beginning of a fruitful and long-lasting relationship," she said.

As the King concluded his visit, he expressed optimism for the future, noting that the rains that fell during his stay were a sign of prosperity and blessings for the Busoga Kingdom. "I’m glad that coming with rain is a sign that there will be prosperity. When you have enough rain, that’s a sign of prosperity. We’re talking about food security where we need rain, especially to irrigate our crops," King Mswati stated.

This state visit is expected to pave the way for future collaborations and strengthen the bonds between the two kingdoms, rooted in shared cultural heritage and a mutual commitment to progress.