On Thursday, President Yoweri Museveni ignited concerns by publicly questioning the appropriateness of the title “His Majesty” for the Kabaka of Buganda.

Museveni stated that, by long-standing tradition, the monarch was addressed as “His Highness” rather than “His Majesty.” He conveyed surprise and a measure of frustration over the change, insisting that he had not been consulted about it.

“I was never consulted; I, the person who restored the Kabakaship, was never approached for guidance on what to do. My duty was completed, and now I feel as though I’m no longer needed,” he declared.

These remarks come amid ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Buganda Kingdom’s role in Uganda’s political and cultural landscape.

Restoration of Traditional Institutions In 1966, the Kabakaship and other traditional institutions in Uganda were abolished by then-Prime Minister Milton Obote, who viewed them as threats to national unity and his own political control. This prohibition lasted for nearly three decades until 1993, when Museveni’s government formally restored these cultural institutions as part of an initiative to acknowledge Uganda’s diverse ethnic heritage and promote national cohesion.

Buganda, recognized as the largest and most influential kingdom in Uganda, regained official recognition, thereby allowing the Kabaka to resume his cultural leadership. Although the restoration was widely welcomed, it was implemented with limitations, as traditional kingdoms were redefined as cultural institutions devoid of political power.

Strained Relations and Symbolic Titles Despite the reinstatement of these institutions, the relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom remains fragile. Issues such as land disputes, questions of autonomy, and the quest for cultural recognition have long fueled tensions. Museveni’s remarks about the Kabaka’s title touch on deeper sensitivities related to authority and respect. While the shift from “His Highness” to “His Majesty” might seem like a minor change in protocol, it may also symbolize broader questions about the kingdom’s status and influence.

His Majesty or His Highness?

In English, the distinction between the honorifics “His Highness” and “His Majesty” is based primarily on the rank and status that each title represents:

• His Majesty: This title is traditionally bestowed upon kings and queens — sovereign monarchs who govern over a kingdom or empire. It signifies the highest level of royal authority and sovereignty. For example, the British monarch is commonly addressed as “His Majesty the King” or “Her Majesty the Queen.”

• His Highness: This title is generally used for princes, dukes, or other members of royal or noble families who are not the reigning monarchs. It denotes a high rank but clearly falls below that of kings or queens. For instance, a prince or a ruler of a smaller principality might be referred to as “His Highness.”

Therefore, using “His Majesty” implies that an individual holds supreme royal authority, while “His Highness” suggests a royal status that does not include full sovereign power. This distinction reflects the hierarchy and scope of authority within royal and noble titles.