UGX 500 million spent

It is no news that now that the King of Buganda, His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda II received a fancy refurbished vintage ride for his 67th birthday on Sunday.

Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayega hailed the president for ordering the release of the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV , previously used by Edward Mutesa, Uganda’s first President, also the father of Kabaka Mutebi.

The car has been sitting at the national museum since 2013 when it was transferred from State House, Nakasero. It was confiscated and locked up by Milton Obote, a former President in 1966.

The vintage car was among four others taken in a 1996 attack on the Mengo Palace by the army of  Milton Obote, 

“We thank President Museveni and his cabinet for sitting, deliberating and allowing the vehicle to be returned to Buganda.”Mayiga explained to a cheering crowd.

What we should know, however, is Buganda Kingdom has injected 500 million shilling into refurbishing the ride, purchased over 50 years ago. After receiving the car in 2020, the kingdom ordered spare parts from abroad to fix it.

UGX 500 million spent

This is because flying it to the Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd in West Sussex,England would cost not less than £400,000(approximately shs1.7 billion).

According to Katikkiro Mayiga, a committee of seven, led by John Fred Kiyimba to spearhead the car’s restoration process.

“The budget for the whole restoration was Shs500m and the first fundraising lunch of 48 Buganda officials made Shs300m. The committee paid the balance of Shs200m,” Mayiga said.

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II yesterday received the rebranded Rolls Royce Phantom IV.

“I want to inform you(Kabaka) that  the vehicle was refurbished and is now  in good working condition , just like it was during Muteesa’s time. This vehicle exudes class,”Katikkiro Mayiga added

The Phantom IV is a British automobile produced by Rolls-Royce. Only eighteen were made between 1950 and 1956. They were only built for buyers whom Rolls-Royce considered worthy of the distinction: the British Royal Family and heads of state.