Mwanga I of Buganda

Mwanga I was Kabaka of the Kingdom of Buganda from 1740 until 1741. He was the twenty third (23rd) Kabaka of Buganda.

Claim to the throne He was the eldest son of Prince Musanje Golooba. His mother was Nabulya Naluggwa of the Ndiga clan, the second wife of his father. He ascended to the throne after the death of his uncle, Kabaka Mawanda Sebanakitta, in 1740.

Reign Mwanga I and his brothers were the first Buganda Monarchs to go to Nnagalabi (later to be named Budo) for their coronation ceremonies. Previous Kabakas had gone to Nankere for the final and most important confirmation ceremony.

Some of the great officers of state during his reign included;

NameClanPositionTranslationSsebanaakitta Mamba (Lungfish) Katikiro Chief MinisterLubinga Lugave (Pangolin) Kasujju Governor of BusujjuMatumpaggwa Nkima (Vervet Monkey) Kangaawo Governor of BulemeziMugwanya Nkima (Vervet Monkey) Mugema Governor of BusiroKibaate Ntalaganya (Duiker) Kitunzi Governor of GombaManganyi Ndiga (Sheep) Katambala Governor of Butambala

Married life He is recorded to have married five (5) wives:

Najjuma, daughter of Natiigo, of the Lugave clan Nakabugo, daughter of Mugema, of the Nkima clan Naabakyaala Nakiwala, Omubikka, daughter of Semwanga, of the Ngonge clan Nalubowa, daughter of Segiriinya, of the Ngo clan Namakula, daughter of Mpinga, of the Lugave clan

Issue He is recorded to have fathered three (3) sons:

Prince (Omulangira) Mulage, whose mother was Najjuma. He became Sabaddu to the princesses. Prince (Omulangira) Kiwanuka, whose mother was Nakabugo Prince (Omulangira) Nkondoggo, whose mother was Namakula

The final years

Kabaka Mwanga I Sebanakitta was killed by Nkunnumbi, in revenge for the murder of his son, around 1741. He was initially buried at Meerera. In 1860, his remains were exhumed and re-buried at Kavumba, Busiro. He was succeeded by his brother, Prince Namuggala Kagali.