The Katikkiro is the official title of the head of cabinet and government in the Kingdom of Buganda under the Kabaka. The position was originally a direct parallel to the Lord High Chancellor in medieval England. Since the colonial era the position has been more equivalent to a Prime Minister in other governmental systems, though the Katikkiro still does not assume office through elections but rather through appointment by the Kabaka. The office represents the oldest continuous premiership in East Africa, deeply rooted in the customs and governance structure of the Baganda.

Buganda is a traditional kingdom in modern-day Uganda located in the central region of the East African country. The current Katikkiro is Mr. Charles Peter Mayiga of the Mutima clan and was appointed by the current monarch, the Kabaka of Buganda, Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda in May 2013, replacing Engineer John Baptist Walusimbi.

This title is as old as the kingdom itself. The first known Katikkiro was a man named Walusimbi of the Ffumbe Clan, who was the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) during the reign of Chwa I Nabakka, the second Kabaka of Buganda, who reigned during the middle of the 14th century. Walusimbi continued to rule following the death of Chwa I. He was succeeded as Katikkiro by Ssebwaana (This title (Ssebwaana) is also held by a saza (Busiro county) chief in Buganda. His rain lasted until 1374, when Kabaka Kimera I ascended the throne 1374.

Historically, the Katikkiro was selected from among the clan heads (Abataka) or leading chiefs and was known for wisdom, loyalty, and strategic thinking. Over time, the office evolved into the de facto head of the kingdom's civil service, responsible for the day-to-day running of the Kingdom when the Kabaka was engaged in war, diplomacy, or spiritual duties. During the colonial period, the Katikkiro maintained significant influence and represented Buganda's interests in interactions with the British colonial administration. The position has been described as representing "the oldest continuous premiership in East Africa," with the Katikkiro serving as both a political leader and cultural custodian.

The Katikkiro has always held immense influence within the Kingdom's governmental structure. The authority of the Katikkiro is symbolized by the Ddamula stick, which is given to him by the Kabaka as a tool to 'kulamula' (rule over) in the kingdom on his behalf. The core responsibilities of the Katikkiro include presiding over the Lukiiko (Parliament) and overseeing Cabinet decisions, executing royal decrees and national programs, and supervising the County Chiefs (Abamasaza). Additional duties encompass guarding the royal seals and assets of the Kingdom, mobilizing the clans for cultural and national causes, and representing the Kabaka in key ceremonies and state functions. The Katikkiro serves as both the public face of Buganda's government and the chief strategist of its development and restoration efforts.

Prior to 1900, the Principal leaders that governed the Buganda at the pleasure of the Kabaka were:

The latter ten chiefs were equivalent to provincial governors and reported their activities to the Katikkiro. The 1900 Buganda Agreement split the Katikkiro's roles, creating a special office of the Mulamuzi (Chief Justice) and a role of Muwanika (Head of the Treasury). The three key leaders that governed Buganda at the Kabaka's pleasure were:

The county governors continued in their administrative roles in the respective counties.