Leaders against Katikiro's visit to Ankole

By Darious Magara

The prime minister of Ankole kingdom, George William Katatumba, has said the leadership of the kingdom is opposed to the planned visit of the Katikiro of Buganda this weekend until formal cultural procedures are finalized.

In a recent letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) date February 4, Katatumba states that he believes that the IGP office would help to stop the visit which otherwise can result into anarchy since the Katikiro’s visit is unwelcome.

The same letter is addressed to the Kabaka of Buganda – Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

PM Katatumba said they had learnt from the media that Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga planned to visit Mbarara today (Saturday) to interact with the Baganda living in Ankole and also to fundraise for the reconstruction of the burnt Kasubi tombs.

He said the trip was organized by a committee chaired by Mutaasa Kafeero who was mobilizing Baganda living in Ankole.

Katatumba, who is also the chairman of the Nkore Cultural Trust, said they met and resolved to stop the visit as they had not been informed about it formally and that its organizers had not followed the procedures governing cultural institutions in Uganda.

Ellady Muyambithe, the executive director of Historic Resources Conservation Initiatives and the chairman of the Banyankole youth wing known as Engabo Z’Ankole, said they would resist the visit since it is irregularly organized.

“We have asked them to stop because we are not aware of the intentions why they are visiting Ankole, as we have not been told and given a program of the visit,” he said.

Ankole says it wrote to Buganda, explaining its opposition to the planned visit but that it has not received any response.

The letter delivered assertions that if Katikiro Mayiga goes ahead with his plans, the trip would not only disrupt peace in Ankole, but also harm the long-term good relationship between the two kingdoms.

New Vision sought Kafeero’s comments on the issue. He underlined that the visit is not an official function since the Baganda who hail in Ankore called the Kabaka to visit them and that he had delegated the Katikiro to represent him.

“We have asked Mr. Katatumba and his team to attend,” he said, explaining: “It’s not an official function, but the kingdom would wish to interact with the Baganda who live in Ankole and as well fundraise for the renovation of Kasubi tombs.”

He insisted the visit will go on as planned.

Katatumba’s letter was also addressed to the regional and district police commanders as well as the resident district commissioner.