Buganda's independence claim of October 8, 1962: What is the truth?

To mark 50 years of Uganda’s independence, New Vision will, until October 9, 2012, be publishing highlights of events and profi ling personalities who have shaped the history of this country.

Today, MAGEMESO NAMMUNGALU examines claims that Buganda got independence ahead of Uganda on October 8, 1962 There is talk about Buganda’s independence on October 8, 1962, a day before Uganda’s self–rule on October 9, 1962.

Buganda Kingdom information minister has talked about it on some FM stations; a columnist of New Vision and lawyer, Peter Mulira, has also written about it. But as Uganda turns 50 on October 9 next month, it is important to know the truth about these historical events.

Some history accounts have it that Buganda’s Kabaka Mutesa I, in a letter to Queen Vitoria of England, invited the British to Buganda, after he was excited by the gun Henry Stanley, an early British explorer to Uganda, was carrying. It is also documented that Mutesa’s grandson, Sir Edward Mutesa II, was in the early 50s exiled in Britain for resisting Buganda’s integration in the East Africa Federation.

At the time, Buganda kingdom wanted to become a nation. It is a fact that on a number of occasions, Buganda asked the British colonialists to give Buganda independence as a full–fl edged nation, but the British declined.

Elders, who were in Kampala to attend the Independence Day cerebrations, talk of a courtesy call by the Duke of Kent, who attended Uganda’s Independence Day cerebrations on the Kabaka.

The English people are excited about Buganda 500–year kingdom because they see it as a replica of their kingdom. Sir Edward Mutesa II was the fi rst President of independent Uganda, with the Kyabazinga of Busoga, Sir William Nadiope, as vice-president.

The talk about Buganda’s independence on October 8, 1962 was non–existent then. Ugandans, especially the youth, are baffl ed by claims that Buganda got independence a day earlier than Uganda, of which it is part.

One of such people is my grandson Nicholas, now in Secondary Three. He has confronted me and said: “Grandfather, I want you to help me put my history about Buganda’s independence on October 8, 1962 right.” My grandson is not alone.

The youth of this country need to know the truth about the affairs of their country. Both the Christian and Muslim faiths preach against lies. In the African setting, telling lies is immoral. In the US, it is many times said: “Tell the truth so that the State is safe.” So let this be about Buganda’s independence on October 8, 1962.

The information minister at Mengo, therefore, has the duty to convince the youth about this important affair. He should dig deep into the wealth of knowledge of people like Dick Kasolo, the kingdom’s press secretary.

Uganda’s Independence Day festivities were held at Kololo Airstrip, where did Buganda hold their October 8 independence day cerebrations? At Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations, the British anthem, “God Save the Queen”, was sung moments before mid–night on October 8 and the lowering of the Union Jack.

As the Union Jack was being lowered, lights went off at Kololo airstrip to signify the end of the British colonial rule. The Uganda fl ag was immediately raised by Major Kenneth Ikanut Akorimong. Major Akorimong, who was born on July 6, 1931 at Omatenga village in Kumi district, was the only queen’s commissioned offi cer by then and was the ideal person for the job.

What happened in the case of Buganda? Let those claiming that Buganda got independence on October 8 tell Ugandans the person, who raised their flag. When it struck mid–might, all the lights went off, signifying the end of the British colonial rule. The switching on of lights at Kololo signifi ed the birth of a new nation, Uganda. Were these things done at Buganda’s independence celebrations? Where are the people that witnessed it?

The raising of the national fl ag was followed by the singing of the Uganda’s national anthem, composed by the late Professor George Kakoma and Peter Wingard.

The instruments of power were then received in the early hours of October 9, 1962 from the Duke of Kent, by the Prime Minister, Apollo Milton Obote. There are photographs to show this occasion.

After the offi cial hand over of power to Ugandans, there was a big reception for the invited guests to the independence cerebrations, where did Buganda hold their festivities?

Remember, the British colonialists had on many occasions publicly rejected the idea of Buganda becoming an independent state. Why did the Sir Edward Mutesa become the president of Uganda?

Where was the ceremony that merged Buganda and Uganda so that the Kabaka Mutesa II becomes the President of a ‘united’ Uganda? The issue of Buganda’s independence cannot be like a candle under the table.

Let those promoting the propaganda bring everything surrounding the reported Buganda independence on October 8 to light. There are people, who are still alive and know ‘Bible truth’ on the issue.

These people include Adok Nekyon, the fi rst information minister of independent Uganda. Tom Nduga, one of the people who provided the live coverage commentary on Radio Uganda. Frank Nabwiso, a doctor of philosophy in history, who at the crucial time worked for Radio Uganda.

Where are such witnesses for Buganda’s independence? It is dignifying for some people in Buganda to talk about Buganda’s self–rule on October 8, 1962. However, it is important to answer these questions for the young generation. Otherwise, the posterity will never know the truth.

The writer is a retired editor at the former Radio and Uganda Television, now UBC Radio and Television