The Strength of Unity: Lessons from Kasubi Tombs, Barkcloth Art and Buganda’s 33rd Coronation

As Buganda Kingdom prepares for the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on July 31st, my mind turns to the rich cultural heritage that binds Buganda together. Culture is never just history preserved in books it is a living guide for how we support, protect and uplift one another.

Recently, I led an incredible family to the iconic Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site deeply woven into Buganda’s royal lineage and spiritual identity. Beyond the impressive traditional architecture, what captured my heart was the storytelling of our site guide, Joe and the stunning, vibrant barkcloth (Olubugo) art.

In one striking art piece hanging on the wall, textured barkcloth served as a canvas for colorful Ugandan life—figures journeying together under the sun, women in traditional Gomesi sharing harvests, drummers, and wildlife side by side. Seeing those unique pieces, painted on bark taken from the sacred Mutuba tree made Joe’s words hit even closer to home.

The Parable of the Hand: Joe’s Message on Unity

During our tour, Joe shared a profound story passed down from his grandfather. Looking at our hands, his grandfather used to ask: Why did God make our fingers unequal?

When you look at your hand, the answer becomes clear:

• The Thumb: Short, stout and strong. It looks like it can stand alone, but it cannot grip or hold anything without the rest. Strength is never meant to be selfish; it is meant to carry others.
• The Index Finger: Active and agile, it guides, points, and moves through daily tasks. It lightens the load through active cooperation.
• The Middle Finger: Standing tallest in the center, it represents those in our families and communities who are blessed with more. Positioned in the middle, its purpose isn’t to look down on others, but to reach down and balance those on either side.
• The Ring Finger: Connected by tradition directly to the heart, it carries affection, deep promises and devotion the anchor of all genuine relationships.
• The Little Finger: Small and easily overlooked during big projects. Yet, try removing it and the entire hand suffers. Every person carries indispensable value.

When danger arises or work must be done, the fingers fold together flexible and tight into a fist. That is what Joe’s grandfather called the strength of unity.

Barkcloth Art, Royal Heritage and Modern Unity

Just like the barkcloth art hanging in the art gallery at Kasubi Tombs where individual strips of tree bark are beaten, dried and transformed into intricate masterpieces depicting community life our differences are not meant to divide us.

If we wait until everyone is identical before we choose to cooperate, we will never build anything lasting. Whether in business, community development, or national pride, our varying strengths, backgrounds and talents are designed to function together as one hand.

As Buganda honors three decades and three years of the Kabaka’s reign, this lesson speaks volumes. A kingdom thrives when every individual, regardless of their standing, contributes their piece to the canvas of unity.

A huge thank you to Joe, whose passion and depth as a site guide at Kasubi Tombs remind us why local voices are the true guardians of our heritage.

Joe is currently putting the final touches on his writing and will officially be launching his debut book this September. If his writing carries even a fraction of the heart, wisdom and cultural storytelling he shares at Kasubi, it will be an absolute must read. Keep an eye out for his upcoming release