FUNDRAISING FOR THE
KING MUTEESA II MONUMENT
Celebrating King Freddie's Legacy on His 100th Birthday
Dear Ugandan community, friends of Buganda, and all supporters of cultural heritage.
As we approach the centenary of Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II's (King Freddie’s) birthday in November 2024, Buganda Heritage Association (UK & Ireland), under its Patron Nnalinnya Lubuga, is embarking on a truly special journey. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we're excited to share our dream of creating a statue in London that will become an integral part of Buganda's rich heritage. Permission has already been granted. The monument is to be installed in the Civic Square, Southwark, London, the area where he spent the last years of his life. The Project’s estimated cost including design, casting, and installation is £100,000. We are calling upon all Baganda, Ugandans, Ugandan Asian Community, Friends of Uganda and well-wishers to assist in fundraising this amount.
BACKGROUND
King Edward Muteesa II was the 35th King of Buganda and the 1st President of independent Uganda. He was much loved in his home country and also overseas where he was affectionately known as “King Freddie”. He studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge where he joined the University Officer Training Corps. He was subsequently commissioned as a captain and became the first Black Commissioned Officer in the Grenadier Guards, the most senior regiment of the infantry in the British Army. He eventually returned home to Uganda to carry out his royal duties.
As King of Buganda, he refused to sign up to plans to create an East African Federation which he felt would disadvantage his people and was exiled to the UK (1953-55). He was a philanthropist and selfless in public office, donating his entire Presidential salary to help the less developed areas of Uganda.
He became the first President of Uganda in 1963 but after disagreements with the Prime Minister, King Muteesa fled Uganda in May 1966 after his palace was attacked by government troops led by Commander Idi Amin. He returned to his second exile in the UK and eventually settled at 28 Orchard House, Lower Road, Southwark in London. Despite his status in his home country, while in exile he offered charitable services in his local community, for the good of the people. He helped as a volunteer social worker among the old and infirm.
He also participated in the administration of a nearby housing and welfare society – the Carr-Gomm Society. On 21st November 1969, King Muteesa II died mysteriously in his flat at Orchard House. In 1971 his body was repatriated to Uganda where he was laid to rest in Kasubi tombs a few miles from the palace where he had fled from in 1966. The Kasubi tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In August 2019, Buganda Heritage Association unveiled a blue plaque at Orchard House in memory of King Muteesa II.
WHY A MONUMENT FOR KING MUTEESA II
King Freddie Muteesa II, the 35th Kabaka (king) of Buganda and the first President of Uganda, would have turned 100 years old in November 2024. His life and accomplishments deserve to be celebrated in a way that leaves a lasting impact for generations to come. He spent his last years living in exile in Southwark where the statue will be erected. The monument will highlight the significance of his iconic and impactful reign during and post-colonial East Africa.
The Borough of Southwark is home to the largest African Community in the UK and the monument of an African King, a first President of an African independent country and the first Black Commissioned Officer in the Grenadier Guards, will be a good reference point for young African people as well as for current Uganda diaspora and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community in general. It is a good contributor to Black History and is a good indication of the diverse cultural history of the residents of the area. It will also act as a sign of cultural preservation and integration of people who have settled in the Borough. The monument will be the link leading to the heritage and culture which he practiced. This is a story that needs to be told.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE MONUMENT
Buganda Heritage Association (UK & Ireland), a not-for-profit registered organisation, is the owner of this project. Together with the sculptor, we have worked out in detail the funds needed for the production of the monument. We need to raise £100,000. Please contribute generously. Your contribution to the project is critical to remembering the past, inform and educate the present and future generations. Send money to:
Account name: Buganda Heritage Association (UK & IRE)
Account No: 80280909
Sort Code: 20-69-15
SWIFTBIC BUKBGB22
IBAN GB96 BUKB 2069 1580 2809 09
and please give your name as reference.
Developers’ view of the completed square