Imagine attending a high-profile event, only to become the target of a bizarre rumor that spreads like wildfire. That's exactly what happened to Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda, during the recent Masaza Cup final. But here's where it gets controversial: despite widespread claims that his iPhone 17 was stolen by pickpockets at the event, the Katikkiro has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a fabricated distraction. And this is the part most people miss: he argues that these rumors were strategically engineered by adversaries of the Kingdom to overshadow the Kabaka’s healthy and vibrant attendance at the match—a direct rebuttal to earlier claims that the Kabaka was unwell.
The story began last weekend when whispers—and later, online posts—suggested that the Katikkiro’s phone had been swiped during the Buweekula vs. Ssingo final (https://kawowo.com/2025/11/01/live-buweekula-vs-ssingo-2025-buganda-masaza-final/). The rumors were so convincing that even those close to him reached out to verify their truth. But Mayiga was quick to set the record straight, questioning the very possibility of such an incident given the tight security detail that constantly surrounds him.
In a candid statement, he explained, 'On Saturday, while the Kabaka was at the Masaza Cup final, these rumors started circulating. People claimed my expensive phone was stolen, but how could that happen with security personnel around me at all times? It’s simply not plausible.' He further elaborated that the false narrative was a deliberate attempt to shift focus from the Kabaka’s well-being, as detractors had previously spread rumors that the Kabaka was bedridden. The Kabaka’s public appearance at the match debunked those claims, leaving critics scrambling to create a new distraction.
This raises a thought-provoking question: In an age of rapid information sharing, how often do we pause to verify the stories we hear, especially when they involve public figures? The Katikkiro’s case serves as a reminder that not everything we read or hear is rooted in truth.
Written by Josh Ruby, an editor deeply entrenched in Uganda’s entertainment scene since 2010, this story highlights the power of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking. What’s your take? Do you think these rumors were a calculated move, or just a misunderstanding blown out of proportion? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
