Buganda conference to discuss future

By JEFF ANDREW LULE                       

The sixth Buganda Conference this year will is to discuss the future of the kingdom in the next 20 years in relation to the projected social, economic and political dynamics of the country.

The chairman of the organizing committee of the conference, also the kingdom's minister for justice and constitutional affairs, Apollo Makubuya said Uganda needs to focus on the future to avoid regrets.

The conference which is slated to take place from December 18 and 19, will be held under the theme; "Envisioning Buganda in 20 years and Beyond" at Hotel Africana. The event is to be attended by the Kabaka Ronald Mutebi and Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda.

Makubuya said the conference is largely supported by the Vision Group working closely with Mengo.

He said the conference seeks to reflect upon Buganda's future in the next 20 years and to envisage on how it will exist amidst the many fundamental changes the country is likely to face.   

"At the Kabaka's 20th coronation anniversary, we looked at the achievements in the past 20 years. Now we want to focus on the next 20 years given the new fundamental changes the country is likely to face. If we do not get prepared, then we shall have to blame ourselves," he said.

Makubuya said they have assembled a team of world class speakers to speak at the conference on various issues.

Among the speakers include; Peter Sage (renown British International Speaker), Nantongo Zziwa (Speaker East African Legislative Assembly), Dr. Onyango-Oloka (Makerere University law professor) and PK Kimbowa (consultant and motivational speaker).

Some of the key areas to be discussed include politics, economics, demographics, Buganda's leadership and the social and cultural norms. Makubuya said the discussion of the various issues will help shape the strategic decisions that the Kingdom will take as it faces the future.

He said those willing to attend are required to buy cards at sh20,000/= from Mengo reception, Hotel Africana and Aristoc Booklex. 

Key discussion areas

Politics; "What will Uganda be in the next 20 years and what will be her position relevancy in the changing world?",

Economics; "How will the oil and gas discovery, and production affect the Kingdom?"

Regional politics; "How Buganda is likely to be affected by the regional cooperation and what does it mean to the Kingdom?"

Demographic; "How will the demographic changes in Uganda affect the kingdom particularly in the area land rights and usage?"