Buganda Kingdom officials have reported an increase in voluntary donations from the Kabaka’s subjects through campaigns such as Luwalo Lwaffe (our duty) in 2025.
According to the 2025 Luwalo Lwaffe (our duty) report released on December 11 in Bulange Mengo, this year’s contribution reached Shs1,783 billion compared to Shs1,605 billion contributed in 2024.
Buganda Kingdom minister for local government, also in charge of royal visits and Buganda Kingdom affairs outside Buganda, Mr Joseph Kawuki, said, despite the report launch, collections of contributions will continue until February 24, 2026.
Mr Kawuki, however, expressed concern with the low participation of political leaders in this year’s voluntary contribution exercise for fear of violating the electoral laws.
Section 68 (7) of the Parliamentary Elections Act and a similar provision in the Presidential Elections Act state thus: “A candidate or an agent of a candidate shall not carry on fundraising or giving of donations during the period of campaigning.”
This is based on the analysis that giving money or gifts to voters influences voters’ decisions. This is deemed a bribery offence, which is an illegal practice with penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
The Electoral Commission has consistently warned candidates against making donations, including at places of worship or community gatherings, emphasising that such acts compromise the integrity of the election process.
This followed a Supreme Court recommendation to create a level playing field, leading to the amendment of the law to also prohibit the incumbent President from making donations during the campaign period, except for using facilities ordinarily attached to the office for official duties.
Under such circumstances, candidates are only permitted to raise funds through lawful means for legitimate campaign activities, such as logistics, transport, and agent facilitation, not for giving out as donations.
The Luwalo Lwaffe reports listed the best performing counties that included Kyaddondo, Buddu, Busiro and Ssingo, which occupied the top four positions in that order. Elsewhere, Kabula, Buvuma, and Buluuli were bottom of the log in ascending order.
The same reports also captured best performing sub-counties and these included Mut III Makindye Kyaddondo with Shs61m; Ssaabagabo Nsangi Busiro Shs57 million; Mut IV Kampala Massekati Kyaddondo Shs45 million; and Mut XVIII KIbinge Buddu Shs40 million, among others.
Mr Kawuki said other sub-counties have set themselves deadlines to have their contribution remitted. These include New England from outside the Kingdom, with their duty contribution set for January 2026. The report further highlights that northern California and Nevada counties never contributed Luwalo (our duty) this year because they were soliciting Shs106m to transport the Kingdom’s mobile clinic to be used at home along Lake Victoria, among others.
The report also highlights other counties outside Buganda domiciled in Uganda who have also contributed to this noble cause. These include Bugisu, Teso, Bukedi, Busoga, Busia, Tororo, and Ankole, among others. Contributions from individuals and organisations also fetched more than Shs103 million.
(daily monitor)
