The Nnaabagereka Queen Sylvia Nagginda Luswata: Life. Passion. Duty.

by Queen Sylvia Nagginda Luswata

On August 27, 1999, I became the Nnaabagereka of the Buganda Kingdom, one of Africa’s greatest civilizations. I was positioned at the apex of an enduring traditional culture in a modern, fast-paced world. In conventional royal households, everything is ostentatious—grandiosity, banquets, regalia, and splendid jewellery. But not this monarchy. There were no crown jewellers, royal chapel, magnificent buildings, or specialized curators. Even still, there existed something so timeless, exceptional, and remarkable. Our kingdom of Buganda radiated a sense of happiness, joy, and pride that no money or opulence could buy. It was a kingdom inspired by the people—the People’s Kingdom—their minds, hopes, beliefs... their culture! By the 1990s, most African monarchies had crumbled. Yet, the Buganda Kingdom, despite its troubles, was on the rise. We had to reinvent ourselves as a monarchy in order to remain relevant, a vehicle for the development of our people. So, I had two distinct maintain the status quo, be the traditional wife and stay safe, or play an active role in shaping our community and our beloved nation. I chose to do both. This… is my story.

320 pages, Hardcover

Published March 20, 2023

Reviews

[D Luwagga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I highly recommend for everyone but especially women and young black girls and women to read. The Queen chronicles the journey from an upbringing of humility, adventure, hardship, grace, perseverance and triumph to a throne where those same themes have shown up repeatedly. You can feel her humility, humor and determination to be herself and discover a path that God has curved out for her despite the forces around her pulling in directions adverse to her center. This book is about overcoming. It is about purpose. This book is so encouraging and is a power boost for girls like me fighting to find our place and set our feet firmly and boldly in a very patriarchal society. I feel grateful that the Queen lent us the courage and tools to keep going in this book and gave me the permission to see myself in her. To believe that queenship means taking over the throne of your own life. To live fearlessly in your purpose and impact life in a way that's larger than you, inspires others, and gives glory to God.

[grace nassaka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following the charity works of Nabagereka and it was good to know all the various projects she has been involved in. Indeed, she is a working Queen who has done a lot to improve the Kingdom. I would however, have preferred her to write more than including what others write aabout her. What of a random stranger that interacted with her? We missed knowing what their impression is of the Queen since all that wrote have known her for ages.

[Agatha Olive]

This book will help you get to know the beautiful queen of Buganda better, her journey as girl to a woman, the queen and mother she is and her family, one also gets to know more about Buganda kingdom, it's cultures and norms and the great love the king has for his queen. I really enjoyed reading this book. Cheers