Nakasongola split over Kabaka visit
Oct 06, 2008
THE Nakasongola district council is split over Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s scheduled visit to the area tomorrow. The Mengo establishment together with the Kabaka’s chiefs in Nakasongola are preparing for the launch of a Bulungi Bwansi (self-help initiative) ceremony in the district.
By Frederick Kiwanuka
THE Nakasongola district council is split over Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s scheduled visit to the area tomorrow.
A section of the district leaders, led by the chairperson, James Wandera, loyal to the Ssaabaruuli, are opposed to the visit, while another section mainly comprising councilors is in support.
The Mengo establishment together with the Kabaka’s chiefs in Nakasongola are preparing for the launch of a Bulungi Bwansi (self-help initiative) ceremony in Nakasongola tomorrow.
The function, which has sparked protests among the Ssaabaruuli faithful, is to coincide with the Buganda Kingdom’s Independence Day celebrations which the Kabaka is to preside over.
The councilors against the visit are denouncing it as a ploy to undermine the Ssaabaruuli, Ssalongo Mwogezi Butamanya, an elected cultural head in Nakasongola.
The district chairman, an ardent supporter of the Ssaabaruuli, said on Saturday that he would not attend the function.
Wandera, criticised Mengo for ‘disrespecting’ the Ssaabaruuli by not involving him in the preparations as the host.
“We advised the Katikkiro (Buganda premier) to involve the Ssaabaruuli, but he did not take heed,†Wandera said.
The Ssaabaruuli, an outspoken critic of Mengo, claims to be on equal footing with the Kabaka.
The Ssaabaruuli, recently called a meeting of loyal elders in Nakasongola with a view of lobbying the council to allegedly block the visit because the ‘preparations were being done behind his back’.
In 2006, when the Kabaka went to preside over the Buganda Bika Football Tournament in Nakasongola, a pro-Ssaabaruuli faction threatened to cause violence, prompting heavy security in the area.
THE Nakasongola district council is split over Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s scheduled visit to the area tomorrow.
A section of the district leaders, led by the chairperson, James Wandera, loyal to the Ssaabaruuli, are opposed to the visit, while another section mainly comprising councilors is in support.
The Mengo establishment together with the Kabaka’s chiefs in Nakasongola are preparing for the launch of a Bulungi Bwansi (self-help initiative) ceremony in Nakasongola tomorrow.
The function, which has sparked protests among the Ssaabaruuli faithful, is to coincide with the Buganda Kingdom’s Independence Day celebrations which the Kabaka is to preside over.
The councilors against the visit are denouncing it as a ploy to undermine the Ssaabaruuli, Ssalongo Mwogezi Butamanya, an elected cultural head in Nakasongola.
The district chairman, an ardent supporter of the Ssaabaruuli, said on Saturday that he would not attend the function.
Wandera, criticised Mengo for ‘disrespecting’ the Ssaabaruuli by not involving him in the preparations as the host.
“We advised the Katikkiro (Buganda premier) to involve the Ssaabaruuli, but he did not take heed,†Wandera said.
The Ssaabaruuli, an outspoken critic of Mengo, claims to be on equal footing with the Kabaka.
The Ssaabaruuli, recently called a meeting of loyal elders in Nakasongola with a view of lobbying the council to allegedly block the visit because the ‘preparations were being done behind his back’.
In 2006, when the Kabaka went to preside over the Buganda Bika Football Tournament in Nakasongola, a pro-Ssaabaruuli faction threatened to cause violence, prompting heavy security in the area.