Let's work together, Kabaka asks gov't

May 02, 2015

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi calls for cordial working relations between the kingdom and the central government.


By Frederick Kiwanuka           

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi has called for cordial working relations between the kingdom and the central government.


Mutebi said the cooperation is for the good of the common people whom both institutions are serving.

“It is good to have good working relations between the Government and the Kingdom,” said the monarch at the start of a two-day tour in Buruuli county which comprises Nakasongola District on Friday.

The Kabaka, whose visit had initially been opposed by pro-Ssaabaruli elements in Nakasongola, arrived to a thunderous welcome from hundreds of residents who braved a downpour.

Top district leaders led by the pro-saabaruuli LC5 chairman, James Wandira Muruuli, and the Resident Distric Commissioner (RDC) were all conspicuously absent with no apologies.

Before arriving at Wabinyonyi sub-county headquarters where he addressed a rally, the Kabaka and his entourage of Mengo ministers, chiefs and enthusiastic subjects drove through Kakooge, Kalongo and Kalungi sub-counties where he opened two medical campuses for hundreds of sick people.

'Moving on well'

The local people gave the Kabaka two cows and two goats which were announced by Buganda minister Noah Kiyimba.

In his brief speech which evoked memories of the 2008 incident when he was blocked from presiding over the Buganda Independence Day ceremonies which had been scheduled to take place in Nakasongola town, the Kabaka was happy to note that the political atmosphere in the area had changed.

“I am happy to note that things are now moving on well,” the Kabaka said.

The cultural leader thanked individuals and organizations who are working towards the well-being of the common people in Nakasongola, saying they were doing a commendable job.

Nakasongola MP, who is also former Attorney General, Peter Nyombi urged Buruuli leaders and the Mengo establishment to observe the mutually agreed terms  under the memorandum of understanding which the Kabaka signed with the government.

The 2008 memorandum of understanding among other mutually agreed terms, allows the Kabaka to freely move within all parts of Buganda and the country.

'Leaders are the problem'


Nyombi called on the Kabaka to help in mobilizing the people of Nakasongola in the fight against poverty.

Ben Kiwanuka Mukwaya, the Buganda minister for health advised the people of Nakasongola to maintain proper hygiene and eat well so they remain healthy and contribute towards the development of their area.

Geoffrey Semmanda, an LC5 councilor who stood in for the LC5 chairman, blamed the political confusion in Nakasongola on the top district leaders.

“The problems in Nakasongola are not the people but the leaders,”

Semmanda said the leaders in Nakasongola had failed to understand that Buruuli was constitutionally under Buganda Kingdom.

He added that the common people in Nakasongola were more concerned with service delivery.

Buruuli county chief Gerald Kyanjo urged the Mengo establishment to help in alleviating the problem of water shortage in the area which he said was acute in some areas.

He also urged Mengo to ensure that the Mengo-based CBS radio reaches Nakasongola so that the people benefit from its educative programs.

 

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