Local leaders react to Buganda Prince''s birth

By Ahmed Kateregga

The introduction of Buganda’s Prince Richard Ssemakookiro to the public has stirred a sea-full of reactions from the public, among them influential people in society.

Among those who welcomed the news of the prince include Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Prince David Namugala Mawanda (first cousin to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi ll), Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) spokesperson Haji Nsereko Mutumba, NRM Buganda regional chief Haji Abdu Nadduli and Buganda parliamentary caucus acting chairperson, Haji Latid Ssebaggala.

Omutaka Kalibbala George Nsozi of Nsiisi village in Busujju County, Mityana district said that the moment he learnt of the news that his clan-mate had produced a prince, he slaughtered a cock and organized a quick feast at his home Tuesday night. 

The clan leader said that the Kabaka is obliged to give a calabash of beer to the Nseenene clan as in-laws and then organize the initiation ceremony, which includes offering a cloth (ngozi) for the baby.

Cardinal Wamala said that any baby born a royal or a commoner is a gift from God. “l thank the Almighty God for the gift and pray for its good life and growth,” he said.

Retired Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkooyooyo declined to comment on the birth of the baby, saying that he was the one that anointed the Kabaka and the Naabagereka Sylvia Nagginda Luswata. 

“l have no comment,” he managed.

The retired Mitayana Diocese Bishop, Wilson Mutebi said the birth of the prince is good news. He urged the Baganda to receive the news of the prince’s birth in a way just like the Katikkiro announced the news.

Prince David Mawanda Namugala said that: “The Kabaka has matured. He has born a baby with a totemic clan. We royals don’t have a royal totem. We are affiliated to those of our mother’s clans. This time the Kabaka has a son with a totemic clan.” 

Totemic clans cut across the Great Lakes region but are most prominent in Ugandan kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro and Busoga.

UMSC spokesperson Al Haji Nsereko Mutumba said that the Muslim community welcomed the birth of the prince. “Islam accepts polygamy and every wife comes with her own blessings. The new wife for the Kabaka has come with the blessing of a new baby boy,” Haji Mutumba.

A prince close to the Kabaka, but requested for anonymity, was so delighted with the birth of the prince, saying that it has given Buganda a second option in line of succession. 

“We have all along been looking at Prince Kiweewa Jjunju, since Lady Nabagereka has not produced a son. Even if Jjunju is not elected by the Lukiiko as succeeding Kabaka, at least there is Ssemakookiro.”

The NRM Buganda Regional chief Al Haji Abdu Nadduli said that the kingdom was now assured of a successor. 

“In case there are no sons in line from the incumbent Kabaka, it is very risky and the kingdom may end up in a crisis like the case of Busoga,” he said, adding that unlike politicians who are required to possess academic qualifications, and are barred by term and age limits, traditional leaders are life rulers.

Haji Latif Ssebaggala said that Buganda MPs, regardless of political affiliation and ethnicity, were very happy with the birth of the prince and vowed to remain loyal and obedient to the kingdom. He also prayed for good life to the royal family.