VP tells Buganda PM on public relations

By Eddie Ssejjoba                                  

 KAMPALA - Vice President Edward Ssekandi has urged the newly appointed Buganda Premier, Charles Simon Peter Mayiga to do a lot of public relations with leaders from other parts of the country if he is to succeed in achieving the kingdom’s goals.

He told the Premier that he must not forget that Buganda is part of Uganda. 

Ssekandi pledged to work closely with Mayiga, saying his doors would be open all the time for him, but cautioned him to always “speak the same language, come day or night” and avoid changing colors.

The Vice President was Friday evening speaking at Mayiga’s residence in Lweza off Entebbe road in Wakiso district at a party the new Buganda premier organized to celebrate his appointment, traditionally referred to as embaga ya Ddamula.

Mayiga, a lawyer and former spokesman for Buganda kingdom and minister for cabinet affairs, replaced Eng. JB Walusimbi.

Walusimbi and two of his predecessors Joash Mayanja Nkanji and Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere attended the party.

The Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s elder sister, Nalinya Nassolo and his elder son, Jjunju Kiweewa also were at the function.

“I personally thank the Kabaka for appointing someone from my constituency [Bukoto Central in Masaka]. We shall support you in all ways,” Ssekandi said.

‘Respect my king’

According to Ssekandi, the Kabaka must have deeply analyzed Mayiga after realizing that he was a firm character who had served the kingdom since its restoration, and found him befitting for the placement.

“But we appeal to you to be open and straight forward. You should be one who says the same thing whether in darkness or in day light,” stressed the VP.

He appealed to Mayiga to work towards uniting the people of Buganda of diverse ideologies, colors and backgrounds and serve them equally as Kabaka’s people. 

Ssekandi, who reiterated his willingness to support the new Premier, turned to the Baganda and asked them to join hands to support Mayiga and his cabinet in order to strengthen the kingdom.

Addressing royal members, clan leaders, kingdom ministers and friends, Mayiga, on his part, pledged to work with all regardless of their political or ideological background “so long as you respect and recognize my king”.

“I ask you to do me one thing – listen to what I tell you because I’m the king outside the palace, be loyal and respect my king.”

Flanked by his wife, Margret, he said he was optimistic that Ssekandi and other MPs from Buganda would help him achieve the kingdom’s goals.  

His elder brother, Ssalongo Andrew Kaggwa spoke on behalf of the family and wished that the central government returned ‘ebyaffe’ to Buganda kingdom, meaning the property that the kingdom still demands from government.

He also thanked the Kabaka for choosing one from amongst them and pledged to support him.

State minister for education and former kingdom minister, John Chrysostom Miyigo, several MPs from Buganda region and members of the Kwagalana group led by Godfrey Kirumira graced the occasion.