The image was shocking and unbelievable- Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was seen crying at the site of the burnt out Kasubi Royal tombs.
Newspaper Pictures and clips of the Kabaka holding a white handkerchief and wiping a tear from his eyes took center stage, raising concerns among the loyalists and royalists as well.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi was last week forced to shed tears on seeing the burnt out Museoleum, which housed the tombs of his father Edward Mutesa the second and three of his grand fathers Daudi Chwa, Mwanga and Muteesa 1.
For the loyalists, this was a sign of pain inflicted on the King and his subjects as many joined in wailing at the loss of the Kingdoms' cultural heritage.
But to the Royalists, Kabaka's tears were a rare revelation perhaps announcing a bad omen and more ill luck that could befall the kingdom.
Additionally, according to Baganda culture, a living King is not supposed to get into contact with the dead. This too was recieved with a lot of apprehension when the Kabaka went to Kasubi royal tombs. This and many other occurances that have forced the royals to think of a need for a purification ritual.
Now, a series of cleansing rituals are being planned to rid the, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi of ill luck.
Meetings are being held among the royalists to decide on the nature of rituals that will be carried out.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi's pictures wiping tears with a white handkerchief sent many royalists into a sober mood.
In Buganda culture, a living King is not expected to shed tears and when this happens as was the case last week, it is believed to be a sign of bad omen.
According to the Buganda culture, the Kabaka only visits the tombs to ask for blessings and not to mourn.
Ronald Luumu, the chairman of Gwanga Mujje, a non governmental organization for Buganda youth says a traditional cleansing ritual has to be performed for the Kabaka, if he visits the tombs in times of grief.
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Omumbejja Nava, one of the elders at Kasubi royal tombs, says the 9-day cleansing rituals will be held outside the publics view. The rituals will be performed by Nabikande, Kabaka's grandmother who belongs to the Nkima-Monkey clan.
Nava explains that all members of the royal clan are expected to witness the cleansing rituals.
Meanwhile Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, Former Buganda Katikiro says Buganda kingdom is facing challenging moments. He says setting the tombs on fire is an act of provocation that could destabilize Buganda if mishandled.
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Hundreds of Buganda loyalists thronged the Kasubi tombs and Bulange house, adorning white kanzus, with a strip of bark cloth tied in their waist, as a symbol of mourning.
