The house which was initially built in 1935 was after its renovation meant to be handed over as a souvenir present to Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II, on his 28th coronation anniversary which will be celebrated on Saturday in Nkoni palace in Masaka.
The Buganda Kingdom subjects in Buddu are racing against time to
complete major renovation works of the county headquarters ahead of Kabaka
Mutebi’s visit.
Jude Muleke, the Kabaka’s representative in Buddu County; commonly
known by the traditional title of “Ppokino” undertook major renovations of the
Chief's official residence at the county headquarters at Ssaza in Masaka town, to
give it a befitting appearance.
The house which was initially built in 1935 was after its
renovation meant to be handed over as a souvenir present to Kabaka Ronald
Mutebi II, on his 28th coronation anniversary which will be celebrated on
Saturday in Nkoni palace in Masaka.
However, this may not be possible as the works remain behind
schedule just four days before the coronation anniversary.
By Monday, a URN reporter visited the site found the works
incomplete and the workers were still fixing the ceiling and some parts of the
roofing.
Patrick Muweesi, one of the labourers noted that they have so far
completed 70 percent of the works, saying its planned handing over to the Kabaka
will have to be delayed. He says the project was partly affected by the
slow delivery of required materials, hence the failure to have it completed on
time.
Jude Muleke, the Buddy county head (Ppookino) says despite the
failure to have the project completed as per the schedule, he is pleased that substantial
work has already been done, which gives the house a reasonably fine outlook
compared to the past.
He indicates that the project was partly held back by lack of
funds which he says did not come at the speed they had anticipated, however
adding that he is optimistic that all the planned works will be completed soon.
He reveals that they still have a deficit of 185 million shillings
out of a total budget of shillings 325 million they planned to get through
public fundraising.
//Cue in; (Luganda)
“enyuba Bbudukiro….
Cue out; ….alina kyalina
akireete.”//
Paddy Kiganda Ssenkungu, the Chairperson of Buganda Youth Council
also adds that despite the delays, once completed, the renovated house is a
major step towards reclaiming the Kingdoms heritage symbolized in such
monuments.
He says that the delay has also given the leadership in the area,
another great opportunity to expand their scope of works from renovation to
general beautification of the entire environment at the county
headquarters.
