Mengo wants Museveni-Kabaka talks made public
Nov 09, 2009
The Lukiiko (Buganda parliament) yesterday demanded that the details of the talks between President Yoweri Museveni and the Kabaka be made public.
By Josephine Maseruka and Moses Mulondo
The Lukiiko (Buganda parliament) yesterday demanded that the details of the talks between President Yoweri Museveni and the Kabaka be made public.
Museveni and the Kabaka met at State House Entebbe on September 30 to resolve the standoff between Mengo and the central government, but details were not given. The leaders also agreed to meet again soon.
Katikkiro (Buganda prime minister) JB Walusimbi said in a statement yesterday that for the talks to succeed, the Government must avoid provocation which could cause mistrust.
However, he agreed that the meeting was a good beginning after years of stalemate.
Walusimbi said some of the concerns could only be handled by the two leaders, others had already been agreed but were awaiting implementation, while others are pending or need a national dialogue.
Walusimbi accordingly appealed to the Lukiiko to support the talks.
He was, however, opposed by Joseph Balikuddembe who argued that Buganda traditions prohibit the Kabaka to engage in direct talks.
In response, Walusimbi said while the Kabaka does not engage in partisan politics, he has the right to give his views on land matters.
“The Kabaka must protect Buganda’s land.â€
On the controversial Land Bill, the Lukiiko insisted it should be delayed until the President and the Kabaka hammer out a clear position and other supporting laws are enacted.
Although the Government says the Land Amendment Bill will protect tenants from unlawful eviction, Mengo dimisses it as a ploy to grab Buganda land.
Walusimbi also urged the Government to respect Buganda’s traditions and let the Kabaka visit any part of his kingdom.
He was referring to the events of September 7 when the Police stopped him from visiting Kayunga ahead of the Kabaka’s tour of the district. The Government cited security reasons after the Banyala called for recognition. The action sparked off rioting in Kampala and the closure of CBS radio.
The Lukiiko yesterday demanded the release of the suspected rioters and the reopening of the radio.
It said the Kayunga saga was politically motivated because Mengo recognises Namuyonjo as the leader of the Abanyala, and not Captain Baker Kimeze.
“The Government must avoid conditions that can lead to the repeat of the riots in which people lost lives, were injured and property was destroyed,†Walusimbi stated.
The well-attended and heated meeting was chaired by speaker Haji Kaddu Sserunkuuma. James Akena, the Lira Municipality MP, drew applause when he was introduced to the Lukiiko.
MPs, DP’s Ssebaana Kizito and JEEMA’s Kibirige Mayanja also attended.
The Lukiiko (Buganda parliament) yesterday demanded that the details of the talks between President Yoweri Museveni and the Kabaka be made public.
Museveni and the Kabaka met at State House Entebbe on September 30 to resolve the standoff between Mengo and the central government, but details were not given. The leaders also agreed to meet again soon.
Katikkiro (Buganda prime minister) JB Walusimbi said in a statement yesterday that for the talks to succeed, the Government must avoid provocation which could cause mistrust.
However, he agreed that the meeting was a good beginning after years of stalemate.
Walusimbi said some of the concerns could only be handled by the two leaders, others had already been agreed but were awaiting implementation, while others are pending or need a national dialogue.
Walusimbi accordingly appealed to the Lukiiko to support the talks.
He was, however, opposed by Joseph Balikuddembe who argued that Buganda traditions prohibit the Kabaka to engage in direct talks.
In response, Walusimbi said while the Kabaka does not engage in partisan politics, he has the right to give his views on land matters.
“The Kabaka must protect Buganda’s land.â€
On the controversial Land Bill, the Lukiiko insisted it should be delayed until the President and the Kabaka hammer out a clear position and other supporting laws are enacted.
Although the Government says the Land Amendment Bill will protect tenants from unlawful eviction, Mengo dimisses it as a ploy to grab Buganda land.
Walusimbi also urged the Government to respect Buganda’s traditions and let the Kabaka visit any part of his kingdom.
He was referring to the events of September 7 when the Police stopped him from visiting Kayunga ahead of the Kabaka’s tour of the district. The Government cited security reasons after the Banyala called for recognition. The action sparked off rioting in Kampala and the closure of CBS radio.
The Lukiiko yesterday demanded the release of the suspected rioters and the reopening of the radio.
It said the Kayunga saga was politically motivated because Mengo recognises Namuyonjo as the leader of the Abanyala, and not Captain Baker Kimeze.
“The Government must avoid conditions that can lead to the repeat of the riots in which people lost lives, were injured and property was destroyed,†Walusimbi stated.
The well-attended and heated meeting was chaired by speaker Haji Kaddu Sserunkuuma. James Akena, the Lira Municipality MP, drew applause when he was introduced to the Lukiiko.
MPs, DP’s Ssebaana Kizito and JEEMA’s Kibirige Mayanja also attended.