Buganda Katikkiro calls for peace
THE Katikkiro of Buganda, John Baptist Walusimbi, has called for an end to hostility between Mengo and the central government.
By Eddie Ssejjoba
and Mathias Mazinga
THE Katikkiro of Buganda, John Baptist Walusimbi, has called for an end to hostility between Mengo and the central government.
Speaking after thanks-giving prayers for the release of three Buganda officials, Peter Mayiga, Medard Sseggona and Betty Nambooze, at Namirembe Cathedral last week, Walusimbi called for restraint from the youth.
“We have used the confrontational approach since 1900, but it has not achieved much. I am of the opinion that we try dialogue to clear out the long-time feud between our kingdom and the central government. We must put in place the necessary measures, which will enable us to resume the talks and place back the demands of Buganda on the table,†he added.
Walusimbi said the youth may not see any justification in resuming talks but it was “the right thing†to do.
The Bishop of Namirembe, Samuel Balagadde Ssekkadde, who presided over the prayers, thanked the central government and every one else who worked to ensure the release of the officials.
“Some people think I am weak because I did not take the combative approach but this is a matter that must be handled carefully for a lasting solution,†Walusimbi said.
He advised the Baganda to look at alternatives to settle the dispute.
He said he was happy that Buganda elders were in support of a peaceful resolution and warned people to shun radical approaches.
Speaking on behalf of the others, Sseggona said the trio resolved to continue fighting the land bill.
“My freedom today is your freedom tomorrow,†he said. He denied having any links with rebels and making any statements that might have demeaned the President.
The three officials were recently arrested over sedition and making derogatory statements against President Yoweri Museveni.
and Mathias Mazinga
THE Katikkiro of Buganda, John Baptist Walusimbi, has called for an end to hostility between Mengo and the central government.
Speaking after thanks-giving prayers for the release of three Buganda officials, Peter Mayiga, Medard Sseggona and Betty Nambooze, at Namirembe Cathedral last week, Walusimbi called for restraint from the youth.
“We have used the confrontational approach since 1900, but it has not achieved much. I am of the opinion that we try dialogue to clear out the long-time feud between our kingdom and the central government. We must put in place the necessary measures, which will enable us to resume the talks and place back the demands of Buganda on the table,†he added.
Walusimbi said the youth may not see any justification in resuming talks but it was “the right thing†to do.
The Bishop of Namirembe, Samuel Balagadde Ssekkadde, who presided over the prayers, thanked the central government and every one else who worked to ensure the release of the officials.
“Some people think I am weak because I did not take the combative approach but this is a matter that must be handled carefully for a lasting solution,†Walusimbi said.
He advised the Baganda to look at alternatives to settle the dispute.
He said he was happy that Buganda elders were in support of a peaceful resolution and warned people to shun radical approaches.
Speaking on behalf of the others, Sseggona said the trio resolved to continue fighting the land bill.
“My freedom today is your freedom tomorrow,†he said. He denied having any links with rebels and making any statements that might have demeaned the President.
The three officials were recently arrested over sedition and making derogatory statements against President Yoweri Museveni.