Should Bukenya resign over sex allegations?

Mar 28, 2007

<i>The New Vision</i> offers a chance to its online readers to discuss topical issues via the Discussion Board. This week’s topic is Jamila Nakku, a Muslim woman who says she got married in a traditional ceremony to the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, who was already married through the Cat

The New Vision offers a chance to its online readers to discuss topical issues via the Discussion Board. This week’s topic is Jamila Nakku, a Muslim woman who says she got married in a traditional ceremony to the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, who was already married through the Catholic Church. Below are some of the opinion articles posted on the Board

SOMETIMES I get worried about how Ugandans think. What has Bukenya’s private life have to do with many of us? If Nakku decided to marry Bukenya, what’s wrong with that?

Unless there is something hidden, besides the affair, the marriage does not make news – whether contracted traditionally or otherwise. Let us talk about Mabira forest which makes sense to us and the next generation. Let the VP sort himself out. The public should not destroy Bukenya’s family.

Adam
alumaadam@yahoo.com

What has Bukenya got to say?
It was with great shock that I heard and later read about the news of our VP’s entanglement with Madam Nakku. If it is indeed a true story, it is definitely absurd because I believe many Ugandans have always held him in high regard. It is definitely the kind of scandal that will tarnish his image and destroy one of Buganda’s hope of a President from Buganda. Whether it is a political backhand or his own doing, we really can’t be sure at this moment. We might have to first hear his side of the story before we start passing judgement and making sweeping statements. The VP will surely have to clear the air. Let’s wait.

Ivan Mukisa ivanmukisa@yahoo.com

No surprise
This is typical of politicians. Their lives are ridden with sexual scandals. Just examine all the other leading politicians in the country; just have a peep at radiokatwe.com. The stories will open your eyes as to the true picture of our politicians in the world of the sport called ‘bedminton’. It is also an indication of how so low we have sunk morally from top to bottom. No wonder AIDS has ravaged us so such. Norbert Mao once remarked that a fish starts rotting from the head.

Kirimani Arthur kirart2001@yahoo.co.uk

True African man
Why get surprised by an African man having one relationship outside marriage? Does being a VP stop someone from having feelings. Those who have never done it should cast their stones first. Go on Mr. VP, the sky is the limit. You have the money and all what it takes.

Nelson
muyingope@yahoo.com

No secret can be hidden forever
Bukenya should have realised that sex secrets can not be hidden forever. Sex scandals have destroyed some of the most important people. He could be heading to that. If this happened while he was married, then the VP should step down to clear the issue once and for all.
Many people will go to smear Jamila Nakku as a low life woman who wants to hit a sudden jackpot. Sex scandals are very hard to prove. I think the VP is now getting eaten for breakfast by his wife. I am asking people to give the Vice-President and Ms Nakku the benefit of doubt. The truth will one day come to light.

Mike Aziz
mikeaziaz@yahoo.com

Its wrong but not too wrong
It’s not wrong because Bukenya has every right to marry another woman so long as it does not conflict with his religion and his culture. It’s wrong because as VP his position must be above reproach and he should be among people who set moral standards for the country.

Thomas Yebei
thomask@wcdro.org


To hell with hypocrites
Bukenya is a Muganda first and a Catholic later. Let any Ugandan man who has not had an affair or thought of having one cast the first stone at Bukenya. Leave the Mahogany alone. I am sure even those who are spreading the news are cheating on their wives. Is there a law that states that the Vice President should have only one wife? After all he did not marry her in church and that makes her the second wife. Probably we should get him a young girl of 21 years to marry.

Christine cnakayiza@newvision.co.ug

This is politics
I have never divorced. I, however, cannot imagine a former husband addressing a joint press conference with his ex-wife in response to a story in a tabloid. A few years ago, Bukenya complained about the mafia fighting him. I believe this is just another front by the mafia after being beaten on their game. Since they are all politicians, we are the turf. Let us know our role – we are the audience to please. Let these guys fight each other, after all they are politicians.

Jack
j.ngubiri@cs.ru.nl
Very bad
It’s very bad especially when it comes from the high offices. God hates adultery and the Bible says the axe is ready to cut off the wicked. Could it be just coincidence that the Vice-President so often compares himself to a tree? The VP should own up to his unfaithfulness, first to his wife, then his religion and his position, and go for the most honourable thing: resign.

Auta Daniel
autadaniel@yahoo.com

Bukenya has a point to prove as man
We should be very careful when discussing Prof. Bukenya and Jamila. Looking at the small history I have about a good number of national and traditional leaders in Uganda, many would not be what they are if it were not for their parents to engage in extra-marital affairs.
It’s common knowledge that Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi Magulunyondo Musoota is not a son of the official wife (Queen) of Ssekabaka Mutesa II. The same applies to King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru of Bunyoro. It is said that the late Jomo Kenyatta is a son of King Kabalega and the a Kenyan nurse. Kabalega reportedly fathered him when he was in exile.
I am not an advocate of immoral behaviour but Jamila should not have been given audience by the press. Those opposed to Prof. Bukenya’s political ambitions miscalculated. This is going to promote Prof. Bukenya instead of damaging him. True men and women will support him.

Hamid Nkutu
nkukiru@hotmail.com

It’s sad
It’s very sad that a married Vice-President cannot respect himself. We all learn from mistakes but Prof. Bukenya should have known that long time ago. As an important person you are always going to be under public scrutiny. He should not wait for the sacking letter from President Yoweri Museveni.

Tony Kimera tony_kimera@yahoo.co.uk

None issue
This is normal in Africa. Love relationships can’t destroy an African leader. Instead they strengthen him/her. Women may want to stand up whenever the VP is passing. Most men have extramarital relationships. So if you discard the Bukenyas, who will be VP?

kayemba
salokaye@yahoo.com

Remove the logs in your eyes first
I am convinced that something is seriously wrong with the Ugandan society. With all the things we need to be discussing such as malaria eradication and how to fight poverty, here we are pitting our “intellect” on a matter of two consenting adults. Why can’t we discuss how to get rid of other ills that afflict our society?
Peter Masaba
spaa40@hotmail.com

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