I won’t be silenced on land â€" Kabaka
Feb 11, 2008
BUGANDA King, Ronald Mutebi has said, as a trustee of Buganda, he has a right and duty to comment on the land question. He was reacting to MPs and government officials who questioned the capacity in which the Kabaka and his Mengo government denounced the proposed land Act amendments.
By Henry Mukasa
BUGANDA King, Ronald Mutebi has said, as a trustee of Buganda, he has a right and duty to comment on the land question.
“Let it be well-known that the foundation of this kingdom is land and that the Kabaka is the Ssabataka (chief landlord),†he said yesterday.
Opening the 16th Buganda Lukiiko (parliament) at Bulange, Mengo, the Kabaka explained that each of the 52 clans that make up his kingdom had ancestral land.
“The role of the Ssabataka is to hold in trust his people’s land and ensure that they harness it in peace,†he stated.
“Therefore, the Ssabataka has a right derived from culture and norms to talk about and give guidance on land.â€
He was reacting to MPs and government officials who questioned the capacity in which the Kabaka and his Mengo government denounced the proposed land Act amendments.
President Yoweri Museveni last week lashed out at traditional and religious leaders for what he called “politicking over land.â€
“Traditional leaders should know where they begin and end. Buli omu amanye olulimbirwe (Let everyone know their role),†Museveni said. Advancing the point of separation of roles, Museveni wondered whether he should also start baptising people in churches.
The Land Amendment Bill 2007, which is aimed at protecting tenants from illegal evictions, has sparked off a heated debate, particularly in the central region. Mengo insists the Bill will rob Buganda of land, its livelihood.
The ceremonial official opening of the Lukiiko attracted unprecedented attendance of the royal family, Mengo officials and important Baganda. The Kabaka’s brief speech was interrupted by cheers and ululations.
Prince John Barigye of Ankole, youth and child affairs minister, James Kinobe, religious leaders and MPs attended. The newly-appointed Mengo ministers pledged their loyalty to the Kabaka.
The Kabaka said Katikkiro (prime minister) Eng. J.B Walusimbi would achieve Buganda’s aspirations if the Baganda united and were brave.
“There’s nothing we can fail to achieve when we are united as Baganda in Buganda. The tasks given to the Katikkiro will be smooth if there’s unity of purpose and determination.â€
He also said his greatest concern was how to tackle abject poverty in villages. He urged leaders to educate the youth on land and challenged the Lukiiko to make landmark decisions.
“I wish you a victorious year,†the Kabaka concluded.
BUGANDA King, Ronald Mutebi has said, as a trustee of Buganda, he has a right and duty to comment on the land question.
“Let it be well-known that the foundation of this kingdom is land and that the Kabaka is the Ssabataka (chief landlord),†he said yesterday.
Opening the 16th Buganda Lukiiko (parliament) at Bulange, Mengo, the Kabaka explained that each of the 52 clans that make up his kingdom had ancestral land.
“The role of the Ssabataka is to hold in trust his people’s land and ensure that they harness it in peace,†he stated.
“Therefore, the Ssabataka has a right derived from culture and norms to talk about and give guidance on land.â€
He was reacting to MPs and government officials who questioned the capacity in which the Kabaka and his Mengo government denounced the proposed land Act amendments.
President Yoweri Museveni last week lashed out at traditional and religious leaders for what he called “politicking over land.â€
“Traditional leaders should know where they begin and end. Buli omu amanye olulimbirwe (Let everyone know their role),†Museveni said. Advancing the point of separation of roles, Museveni wondered whether he should also start baptising people in churches.
The Land Amendment Bill 2007, which is aimed at protecting tenants from illegal evictions, has sparked off a heated debate, particularly in the central region. Mengo insists the Bill will rob Buganda of land, its livelihood.
The ceremonial official opening of the Lukiiko attracted unprecedented attendance of the royal family, Mengo officials and important Baganda. The Kabaka’s brief speech was interrupted by cheers and ululations.
Prince John Barigye of Ankole, youth and child affairs minister, James Kinobe, religious leaders and MPs attended. The newly-appointed Mengo ministers pledged their loyalty to the Kabaka.
The Kabaka said Katikkiro (prime minister) Eng. J.B Walusimbi would achieve Buganda’s aspirations if the Baganda united and were brave.
“There’s nothing we can fail to achieve when we are united as Baganda in Buganda. The tasks given to the Katikkiro will be smooth if there’s unity of purpose and determination.â€
He also said his greatest concern was how to tackle abject poverty in villages. He urged leaders to educate the youth on land and challenged the Lukiiko to make landmark decisions.
“I wish you a victorious year,†the Kabaka concluded.