Baganda want Ssemwogerere back

Mar 25, 2007

A PARTY organised by Masaka women in honour of Joseph mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere’s illustrious service to Buganda turned into a platform where Baganda dignitaries and loyalists urged the Kabaka to re-appoint him.

By Henry Mukasa
and Eddie Sejjoba


A PARTY organised by Masaka women in honour of Joseph mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere’s illustrious service to Buganda turned into a platform where Baganda dignitaries and loyalists urged the Kabaka to re-appoint him.

Ssemwogerere was Buganda’s longest-serving premier, from 1994-2005.
Outlining his unique leadership ability, humility, persuasive negotiating skills and diligence, speaker after speaker said Buganda still needed Ssemwogerere’s service.

The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, the Speaker of Parliament Edward Ssekandi, Buganda local government minister Jolly Lutaaya and Buddu County chief Fred Mulindwa all chorused a desire for his return.

Kabaka Ronald Mutebi was represented by his elder sister Princess Dorothy Nassolo. His other sister Zirimbuga, also attended the function held at the Ssaza district head office on Saturday.

Bukenya said the federal system of governance that Buganda yearns for is very difficult to attain but Ssemwogerere was on the brink of getting it through talks with the Central Government.
“That’s why I propose, why shouldn’t he become Katikkiro for life? Why should someone with great talent be changed?

In the past few months when he was removed, Buganda was engulfed in a storm. Now we are all silent and waiting.”
Bukenya added that Ssemwogerere was yet to accomplish his assignments for Buganda.

“I request Princess Nassolo to whisper to the Kabaka our desire. Ssemwogerere asked to rest, why shouldn’t he be re-appointed?” Bukenya implored.
Mulindwa pleaded that Ssemwogerere be recalled from his self-imposed retirement.
“When you mention Katikkiro, people in the country still think it is Ssemwogerere.”

“The past months have been horrible and we shall only regain momentum when the Kabaka comforts us with his re-appointment,” Mulindwa added.
Lutaaya said his performance was heroic.

However, Ssemwogerere did not answer the pleas of the various speakers. He vowed to continue advocating what Buganda cherishes. “I will crusade and influence so that we get all we want from wherever I will be.”

He warned that the gun and former President Milton Obote’s desire to abolish kingdoms still prevails. “Stop mudslinging and instead respect the Kabaka. You should not be divided along political or religious lines.”

Ssemwogerere noted that his reign as Katikkiro had many challenges.
The biggest was starting off the kingdom from scratch after traditional institutions were restored.

Ssekandi said for the past 47 years, he has been following Buganda politics and has never seen a person appreciated like Ssemwogerere.

He said as Katikkiro, he never stumbled and was an excellent captain. “You have earned pension worth more than money.”
Ssemwogerere was replaced by Dan Muliika.

Muliika was, however, relieved of his duties after a year and was replaced by Emmanuel Ssendaula.

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