Buganda Anthem – Ekitiibwa Kya Buganda

Ekitiibwa Kya Buganda (“The Pride of Buganda”) is the official anthem of the Buganda Kingdom. Sung at cultural events and royal ceremonies, it celebrates Buganda’s pride, history, and loyalty to the Kabaka. Below are the full lyrics in Luganda with English translation. The anthem was composed in 1939 by Reverend Polycarp Kakooza

Buganda Anthem Lyrics

Luganda Original	English Translation
Chorus Twesiimye nnyo, twesiimye nnyo Olwa Buganda yaffe Ekitiibwa kya Buganda kyava dda Naffe tukikuumenga	Chorus We are blessed, we are blessed For our Buganda Buganda’s pride dates back in time Let us also uphold it forever
Verse I Okuva edda n’edda eryo lyonna Lino eggwanga Buganda Nti lyamanyibwa nnyo eggwanga lyaffe Okwetoloola ensi yonna	Verse I Since time immemorial, This nation Buganda Was known by all countries The world over
Verse II Abazira ennyo abatusooka Baalwana nnyo mu ntalo Ne balyagala nnyo eggwanga lyaffe Naffe tulyagalenga	Verse II The brave who came before us Fought a lot of wars And loved this nation a lot So we should also love it
Verse III Ffe abaana ba leero ka tulwane Okukuza Buganda Nga tujjukira nnyo bajjajja baffe Baafirira ensi yaffe	Verse III Let the current generation fight To uphold Buganda As we remember our ancestors Who died for this country
Verse IV Nze naayimba ntya ne sitenda Ssaabasajja Kabaka Asaanira afuge Obuganda bwonna Naffe nga tumwesiga	Verse IV How will I sing and not praise His Majesty The King He deserves to rule the whole of Buganda As we also trust him
Verse V Katonda omulungi ow’ekisa Otubeere Mukama Otubundugguleko emikisa gyo era Bbaffe omukuumenga	Verse V Lord God of kindness Help us Lord And pour your blessings And keep our king

Cultural Significance of the Anthem

The Buganda Anthem is more than a song; it is a declaration of pride, unity, and loyalty. It honors the bravery of ancestors, the leadership of the Kabaka, and the blessings of God. Sung at official ceremonies, it reinforces Buganda’s identity and heritage across generations.

Traditionally, the full version is only sung in the presence of the Kabaka. On all other occasions, the short versions, consisting of verse 1 & 4 and the chorus is sung.

Listen: Buganda Anthem Performances

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