Mengo demands over sh27b from govt

By Joyce Namutebi

The Buganda government is demanding about sh27.8b from the Central Government in rent and other debts, MPs have heard.

The revelation was made by Buganda’s Attorney General, Apollo Makubuya at a retreat for members of Buganda Parliamentary caucus at Katomi Kingdom Resort off Entebbe road on Friday.

He said they are demanding sh16b for Lubigi land, where the National Water and Construction Company is constructing a sewerage treatment plant and sh11.5b debts for Kigo farm and prison.

Makubuya revealed that Buganda wants the Government to pay another sh800m for occupying the State Lodge at Makindye and sh290m rent arrears for Makindye Military Barracks.

He noted that the issue at stake now is  the return of Buganda’s ebyaffe taken by  former president, Milton Obote’s government and urged Parliament to take  keen interest to ensure that the return  is effected.

Makubuya said for 19 years, they have been holding talks with the Government on the return of ebyaffe, but there should be a time limit.

He urged the legislators to pressurise the Government to release the report on the burning of Kasubi tombs as well as on the Budo fire.

He said the Kasubi report would bring to light the culprits and help them know how the repairs would be done to avoid such incidents.

The retreat was intended to discuss challenges facing unity of leadership, sharing of power and responsibility to ensure development and peace, how the people of Buganda can benefit from the national budget and finding ways and means of solving issues affecting the region.

Present was the Vice-President, Edward Sekandi, senior presidential adviser on Buganda issues Mulindwa Birimumaaso and several ministers from Mengo.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, J. B. Walusimbi, revealed plans to start a Buganda cultural village and urged MPs to support the initiative. He said he was looking for 100acres of land within a radius of about 30kms from the city for this purpose. Walusimbi urged them to initiate cottage industries for the benefit of their people.

He stressed the importance of unity in the caucus, despite their political and religious differences, and urged them not to get derailed in their work by detractors.

Walusimbi challenged them to take up leadership positions available and use them to assist their people and all Ugandans.

He commended caucus chairperson Godfrey Kiwanda for ensuring that Buganda’s very own, Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, scoops EALA top job.