Obote’s death brought back the memory of Mutesa II

Nov 07, 2005

SIR — Many people have complained about the way the Baganda reacted to former President Milton Obote’s death. A good number of baganda converged at Wankulukuku stadium to mourn Ssekabaka Mutesa II.

SIR — Many people have complained about the way the Baganda reacted to former President Milton Obote’s death. A good number of baganda converged at Wankulukuku stadium to mourn Ssekabaka Mutesa II. They did this because the return of Obote’s body brought back the memories of what happened to their kingdom during his administration. However, some people have condemned this. Waisswa Magoola, in his letter said this was an exercise which involved idlers and illiterates. F. X. Liri compared the Baganda to the Talibans and their leader, Osama bin Laden who are known to celebrate death and termed the issue a cultural scandal. But all this is uncalled for. The Baganda were trying to enjoy their freedom of expression. That is how they felt about a man who invaded the lubiri in 1966 which led to the fleeing of their king into exile and eventual death in 1969. It is even alleged that the king was poisoned. Obote further barred the return of the king’s body to his homeland and it is not until 1971 during Amin’s rule that the Kabaka’s body was brought back and given a decent burial. Mind you Obote preferred to be buried at home. He abolished the kingdom of Buganda along with all the other kingdoms which were only restored during President Museveni’s regime. Any human being was bound to react that way. Barbara Bugayaza Muliika Kampala

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