BY D KASULE: The Buganda Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, today hosted Jamaican dancehall star Spice at Bulange Mengo as part of her cultural tour ahead of her debut performance in Uganda this weekend. Spice, widely known as the “Queen of Dancehall,” is in the country for a week-long cultural immersion program organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom. The initiative aims to promote Uganda’s cultural tourism and encourage international artists to experience the country beyond the stage.
During a ceremony held in her honor at Bulange, Spice was warmly received by Buganda officials and bestowed with a traditional Kiganda name, Nankula. She was also placed in the Enkula (Rhino) clan, a symbolic gesture linking her to Uganda’s cultural heritage and conservation efforts.
Speaking at the event, Mayiga described the visit as significant, noting that it reflects growing cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean. He said music continues to serve as a powerful bridge connecting people across continents and generations.
“You are on the continent of your ancestors’ kingdoms, and this is a place that holds that memory. Uganda has a rich cultural heritage that we are proud to share with the world,” Mayiga said. He added that the Buganda Kingdom, one of the oldest traditional institutions in Africa, remains central to Uganda’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said Spice’s visit marks a new approach in how Uganda engages international performers. She noted that the artist is the first to fully explore the country before performing, a practice UTB hopes to institutionalize.
“We want every artist who comes to Uganda to experience our culture, visit our heritage sites, and understand what makes this country unique,” Kagwa said. As part of her tour, Spice has visited several key attractions, including the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial grounds for four Buganda kings. The site is among the most important cultural landmarks in Uganda.
The Buganda Kingdom, founded in the 14th century, remains the largest traditional kingdom in Uganda, with millions of subjects and a long history that continues to shape the country’s cultural landscape.
Spice, who is scheduled to perform at Lugogo Cricket Oval on May 9, expressed excitement about her visit, describing it as a deeply personal experience. “I feel at home here. The love, the culture, and the people have been amazing. I am honored to be welcomed in such a special way and to now belong to a clan,” she said.
Tourism officials believe that such high-profile cultural exchanges will help position Uganda as a leading destination for cultural tourism, showcasing its heritage, traditions, and natural attractions to a global audience.