MPs want explanation on Bunyoro
Aug 17, 2009
Opposition MPs yesterday asked the Government to explain President Yoweri Museveni’s letter on Bunyoro.
By Catherine Bekunda and Mary Karugaba
Opposition MPs yesterday asked the Government to explain President Yoweri Museveni’s letter on Bunyoro.
They said the letter had treated Bunyoro as a special region and was threatening peace in the area.
The matter was raised by opposition chief whip Kassiano Wadri, who wanted to know whether the July 15 letter to the Minister of the Presidency, Beatrice Wabudeya, was the final official stand on the matter.
In the letter, the President proposed that as part of a solution to end the tension between the Banyoro and immigrant Bakiga, all parliamentary, LC5 and sub-county leadership posts be limited to the Banyoro.
“Is this the true position of government? Is Bunyoro a no-go area for non-Banyoro?†Wadri asked.
Citing Nyantonzi sub-county, whose population is mainly Lugbara, Wadri said there were several tribes in Bunyoro who were invited by previous kings. He cited the Alur, Lugbara and Acholi who were invited to boost the production of cotton in the region during the colonial times.
“Where else should such people go, is the President not inciting people to rise up in tribal clashes?†Wadri asked.
Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi told parliament that the Cabinet was still discussing the matter and would respond soon.
“We shall be able to inform the general public after finding a lasting solution,†Nsibambi said.
“We can’t rush the matter. This is a very serious, sensitive matter that needs a lot of careful handling,†Nsibambi explained.
Opposition MPs yesterday asked the Government to explain President Yoweri Museveni’s letter on Bunyoro.
They said the letter had treated Bunyoro as a special region and was threatening peace in the area.
The matter was raised by opposition chief whip Kassiano Wadri, who wanted to know whether the July 15 letter to the Minister of the Presidency, Beatrice Wabudeya, was the final official stand on the matter.
In the letter, the President proposed that as part of a solution to end the tension between the Banyoro and immigrant Bakiga, all parliamentary, LC5 and sub-county leadership posts be limited to the Banyoro.
“Is this the true position of government? Is Bunyoro a no-go area for non-Banyoro?†Wadri asked.
Citing Nyantonzi sub-county, whose population is mainly Lugbara, Wadri said there were several tribes in Bunyoro who were invited by previous kings. He cited the Alur, Lugbara and Acholi who were invited to boost the production of cotton in the region during the colonial times.
“Where else should such people go, is the President not inciting people to rise up in tribal clashes?†Wadri asked.
Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi told parliament that the Cabinet was still discussing the matter and would respond soon.
“We shall be able to inform the general public after finding a lasting solution,†Nsibambi said.
“We can’t rush the matter. This is a very serious, sensitive matter that needs a lot of careful handling,†Nsibambi explained.