We don't endorse candidates — Mengo

ELECTIONS | CULTURE |

Buganda will not endorse politicians in the forthcoming general election but will be keen on how candidates deal with the strategic issues facing Buganda (ensonga ssemasonga) in their manifestos, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has said.

Mayiga said Buganda's decision will be informed by how candidates of various political parties will handle the five strategic issues.

"Politicians should tell us how our strategic issues will be tackled in their manifestos. Show us how they will be executed and let people take a decision from an informed point of view in the forthcoming general election," Mayiga said.

Flanked by the speaker of the Lukiiko (parliament) Patrick Mugumbule, ministers David Mpanga and Dr Prosperous Nankindu, Mayiga said Buganda is for all, provided they respect her heritage, believe in her values, and have respect for the Kabaka.

Strategic issues

The strategic issues include federo governance, safeguarding the institution of kabakaship, protecting land, and safeguarding the kingdom's territorial boundaries, innovation, and unity among the people of Buganda.

Buganda yearns and believes that federo is a desire for all regions of Uganda in the interest of peace, tranquility, unity in diversity, avoidance of tension and wars, speedy development, and minimisation of the scramble for positions in the central government.

The Katikkiro made the remarks in a meeting with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice-chairperson for Buganda region Godfrey Kiwanda, who paid him a courtesy call at Bulange Mengo on Wednesday.

Kiwanda, who is also the state minister for tourism, was accompanied by the Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, former East African Legislative Assembly speaker Margaret Zziwa and other NRM officials.

Credible elections

The Katikkiro was concerned about violence and irregularities that marred the NRM primary elections, causing tension and loss of life in some areas.

Mayiga said it was the responsibility of NRM as a ruling party to restore voter confidence and ensure a peaceful, free and fair elections.

Mayiga said violence is caused by lack of confidence in the election managers and blocking of opposition politicians from being hosted on talk shows.

"If there is day-light voter bribery and electoral officials are seen tinkering with voter results, in such situations, voters are likely to dispute elections results," he said.

Mayiga added that NRM should institute a credible electoral process, starting with itself and at a national level.

"If the electoral process within NRM party is peaceful, free and fair, other parties will follow suit," Mayiga said.

Purpose of Kiwanda's visit

Kiwanda said his visit to Mengo was to officially introduce NRM's presidential flag-bearer, Yoweri Museveni, and emphasise the party's core objectives ahead of the general election.

"I have come here to introduce myself to you as NRM vice-chairperson for Buganda and to introduce our candidate to you in the next election. We are sorry for what manifested in our in-house elections and we promise to do better in the future," Kiwanda said.

He handed over to Mayiga an NRM party constitution, a copy of NRM milestones, and the President's key speeches, which the Katikkiro promised to read.

Kiwanda said NRM's core principles of patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy relates well with Buganda values.

He said Buganda gave NRM a firm foundation when the liberation struggle started in Luwero.