Obugabe supporters advised to go to court
May 07, 2008
Supporters of the restoration of the Ankole kingdom (Obugabe) have been advised to petition the constitutional court if they feel suppressed by the government.
By James Oloch in Lira
Supporters of the restoration of the Ankole kingdom (Obugabe) have been advised to petition the constitutional court if they feel suppressed by the government.
The Government restored cultural institutions in the 1995 Constitution but declined to recognise the Ankole kingdom, saying its restoration had to be supported by the majority of the people.
When John Patrick Barigye was ‘enthroned’ in 1998, the government refused to recognise him, saying the majority of the people were opposed to restoring the kingdom.
“It is very clear in the Constitution, Ankole kingdom (supporters) can appeal to the constitutional court for redress,†the Minister of Social Affairs, Syda Bumba, advised during a cultural dialogue in Lira on Monday.
The dialogue, which was opened by Lango paramount chief Yosam Odur, was was attended by prime ministers from various cultural institutions.
Bumba was responding to a question raised by Prince Kenneth Kkangye of Ankole, who wanted to know why the Government had declined to recognise Barigye as the Omugabe (king) of Ankole.
Ankole premier George William Katumba said the Government was applying double standards by recognising other cultural leaders, while opposing those for Ankole. He, however, welcomed Bumba’s advice as a positive gesture.
“We were worried but since it has come from a government minister, we shall petition the constitutional court over our kingdom.â€
He said Ankole was one of the oldest kingdoms, which had ruled for over 600 years before Milton Obote’s regime abolished kingdoms in 1967.
Supporters of the restoration of the Ankole kingdom (Obugabe) have been advised to petition the constitutional court if they feel suppressed by the government.
The Government restored cultural institutions in the 1995 Constitution but declined to recognise the Ankole kingdom, saying its restoration had to be supported by the majority of the people.
When John Patrick Barigye was ‘enthroned’ in 1998, the government refused to recognise him, saying the majority of the people were opposed to restoring the kingdom.
“It is very clear in the Constitution, Ankole kingdom (supporters) can appeal to the constitutional court for redress,†the Minister of Social Affairs, Syda Bumba, advised during a cultural dialogue in Lira on Monday.
The dialogue, which was opened by Lango paramount chief Yosam Odur, was was attended by prime ministers from various cultural institutions.
Bumba was responding to a question raised by Prince Kenneth Kkangye of Ankole, who wanted to know why the Government had declined to recognise Barigye as the Omugabe (king) of Ankole.
Ankole premier George William Katumba said the Government was applying double standards by recognising other cultural leaders, while opposing those for Ankole. He, however, welcomed Bumba’s advice as a positive gesture.
“We were worried but since it has come from a government minister, we shall petition the constitutional court over our kingdom.â€
He said Ankole was one of the oldest kingdoms, which had ruled for over 600 years before Milton Obote’s regime abolished kingdoms in 1967.