Power struggle erupts as security block Tooro Kingdom Council meeting
According to Musinguzi, the prime minister was simply trying to exert authority over them in all the activities taking place. “Such meetings are cultural, and the prime minister’s role is administrative. It's only the king and the speaker who call for these meetings. Where now is he getting authority to stop the meeting from taking place?” Musinguzi wondered.
The doors to the Rukurato were locked and manned by UPDF officers. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)
FORT PORTAL - Police and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel have foiled the Tooro Kingdom Council Meeting (Orukurato Rw’Obukama bwa Tooro), which had been scheduled to take place today (September 1).
Speaking to journalists, the Babiiti royal clan head, Charles Kamurasi, said the meeting was scheduled to take place at the Tooro Kingdom parliamentary building to officially inform the people of Tooro about the death of King Oyo Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
However, hours after Kamurasi's announcement, the Kingdom prime minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, through his social media account announced that the meeting had been called off.
Some of the kingdom officials who had turned up for the meeting were blocked by security. (All photos by Jonan Tusingwire)
“This is to inform all the council members (Abakurasi b’Orukurato Orukuru Orwe’Ensanju) that the meeting has been rescheduled to a later date that will be communicated,” read part of the statement.
The parliamentary building was surrounded by police and armed soldiers, while others stood guard at the door leading to the parliamentary chambers. Kamurasi, who had been accompanied by a few council members, were stopped from entering the chambers.
UPDF and Police officers at Tooro Kingdom Parliamentary grounds in Mucwa.
They were seen making incessant calls before they later left.
However, the Babiito clan spokesperson, Moses Musinguzi, told journalists that the prime minister had no authority to stop the meeting from going on because it is not him who invites such meetings.
UPDF and Police officers at the Tooro Parliamentary grounds in Mucwa.
According to Musinguzi, the prime minister was simply trying to exert authority over them in all the activities taking place.
“Such meetings are cultural, and the prime minister’s role is administrative. It's only the king and the speaker who call for these meetings. Where now is he getting authority to stop the meeting from taking place?” Musinguzi wondered.