‘Cultural leaders Bill is unpatriotic’ Bishop Lwanga

By Francis Kagolo and Juliet Lukwago

KAMPALA Archbishop, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has criticized the cultural leaders Bill recently tabled before parliament, saying it undermines basic principles of patriotism which the Government has been preaching.

He said instead of addressing pertinent issues in society, the Bill was targeting one individual-the Kabaka of Buganda-and that this would promote chaos.

“It is absurd and unfair to have Bills presented in parliament that target individuals instead of society,” Lwanga said. “We cannot speak of promoting patriotism and yet we are undermining it with Bills that are sowing seeds of hatred, injustices and divisions.”

The remarks were part of his Christmas and New Year’s message to the country during a press conference he hosted at his residence in Rubaga, a Kampala suburb, on Thursday.

He asked parliamentarians not to hurry the Bill that it would undermine the constitution if passed into law. “Our constitution talks of promoting unity and stability, but not promoting hatred, division and injustices.”

He said: “A society that lacks fairness and creates inequalities is sliding towards chaos, instability and underdevelopment. We must despise the opposite of a just society which would be a tyrannical society that is ruled by the whims of a single person or small group of people.”

He also urged the Government to enact laws that are in conformity with national objectives and motto-For God and my country- and not a new sub motto which is “for my political interests and prosperity.”

Lwanga also rebuked reports that the past violence experienced in the country was due to tribal or religious sentiments. On the contrary, he said the chaotic situations result from the current economic inequalities and some people’s much desire for political power. Economic and political inequality is a recipe for violence, he stated.

Lwanga said religion, ethnicity and culture in Uganda are defenseless systems that are always exploited by politicians as a camouflage to attain their selfish goals.

“It is a falsehood that people hate and kill each other because of tribalism or religious sentiments,” he stated.

“As Ugandans, we must realize that our most horrifying challenges are the inequitable distribution of economic resources and a lack of a well streamlined political system that would ensure power sharing and continuity.”

The Government last week tabled the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Bill, 2010, in parliament. The Bill, which seeks to operationalise article 246 of the constitution, provides for a monthly allowance, first class travel for cultural leaders and free education for two of their biological children up to university among other benefits.

However, it also forbids a traditional leader from dealing with foreign governments, except with approval from the minister for foreign affairs. It also empowers the foreign affairs minister to form guidelines to regulate any dealings between cultural leaders and officials of foreign governments.

Under the Bill, traditional leaders are not immune from prosecution. “A traditional or cultural leader is personally liable for any civil wrongs or criminal offences committed by them or their agents,” the Bill asserts.

Section 9(2) states that where there is more than one cultural leader in an area of a regional government, the position of titular head shall be rotational for one year at a time.

A number of analysts have opposed some provisions of the Bill, although Government says it is not ill-intentioned. Buganda kingdom’s attorney general, Apollo Makubuya, said recently that the Bill was a ploy by the central government “to weaken Buganda kingdom and the institution of Kabaka (king).”

Meanwhile, Lwanga also condemned corruption and warned politicians that no matter how much wealth they amass, “no one will remain on earth.”

He wants the Government to spearhead reconciliation initiatives in the country as away to amend past injustices and rebuild non-violent relations between communities and deepen democracy.

“Democracy does not end at casting votes only. It means participatory involvement of the people in affairs that concern their life and wellbeing, in the social, economic, political and religious matters.”