Buganda clan flags unfurled at Bulange

ULULATION, drumming and fanfare from the jazz band filled the air at Bulange Mengo, the Kabaka’s seat, as the 52 Buganda clan flags were hoisted on Friday to signify the united monarchy under Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II.Josephine Maseruka reports that the young and old alike stood agape us the flags in varying colours were hoisted for the first time in the history of the over 600-year old monarchy. The flags are flying high in front of the Bulange building.However, reliable sources said the Kabaka was stopped from officiating at the historical function after some clans were represented by more than one clan leader due to clan disputes.“We never wanted the Kabaka to see clan heads fighting for flags so we asked the boys’ brigade to hoist them,” a Mengo official told The New Vision. The 52 flags that surrounded the national and Buganda kingdom flags were received with a standing ovation and later the Buganda anthem was played by the Namirembe Boys and Girls Brigade.Katikkiro Joseph Ssemwogerere represented the Kabaka.“We are from 52 different clans but we are comfortably under the leadership of the Kabaka. Let this be a lesson to all Ugandans and the world-over that people of varying views and beliefs can be united under one leader,” Ssemwogerere said amidst applause.Ssemwogerere commended the chairman of the coronation organising committee, Jolly Lutaaya, who mooted the idea of the flags and the clan heads who implemented the proposal. Each clan was reportedly charged sh350,000.