Watoto Church to host Kabaka’s 33rd Coronation Thanksgiving at Bweyogerere Campus

Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Senior Pastor and Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Buganda for entrusting the church with hosting the thanksgiving service.

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga (R) shares a light moment with Watoto Church Senior Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo (C) as Church elders see on (Photo/via @WatotoChurch)

Kampala, Uganda: Watoto Church will host the Thanksgiving Service marking Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 33rd Coronation Anniversary, becoming the first evangelical church to host the Kingdom’s annual royal thanksgiving prayers.

The service is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at Watoto Church Bweyogerere.

The announcement was confirmed by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who said the Kingdom had chosen Watoto Church as this year’s host as part of its tradition of holding anniversary prayers at different places of worship.

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Speaking at the press briefing, Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Senior Pastor and Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Buganda for entrusting the church with hosting the thanksgiving service.

“As a church, we welcome every opportunity to give thanks to God. The service will glorify God and honour the Kabaka and people of Buganda. I appreciate the Katikkiro and the organising team for their cooperation throughout the preparation journey,” Pastor Rwotlonyo said.

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that Watoto Church would become the first evangelical church to host the Kabaka’s Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

“It has become our practice to hold prayers for the anniversary celebrations at different places of worship, and this year, it pleased His Majesty, the Kabaka, to come to Watoto Church.”

He added: “I am very happy that you agreed to host the service as we pray for the King, the Kingdom, and the country. We’re grateful for this partnership and look forward to celebrating God’s goodness together.”

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Since 2024, the Buganda Kingdom has shifted from traditional public celebrations to rotational faith-based commemorations, with different religious communities taking turns leading prayers in honour of the Kabaka’s coronation anniversary.

The inaugural edition under the new arrangement was held at Namirembe Cathedral in 2024 and was led by the Anglican faith, while the 2025 thanksgiving service was hosted by the Muslim community at Kibuli Mosque.

Watoto Church announced that the rare Thanksgiving service will be open to the public, with members of the congregation and the wider community encouraged to attend and participate in prayers for Kabaka Mutebi, the Buganda Kingdom, and the nation.

The church has also called on worshippers from every corner of the world to pray for a service that honours God and promotes unity during the celebrations.

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II was crowned on July 31, 1993, succeeding his father, Kabaka Sir Edward Frederick Mutesa II, and has since led the Buganda Kingdom for more than three decades.