MAILBOX - EAST AFRICAN-NAIROBI-KENYA
Monday, February 17, 2003
Kingdoms Have No Place in New EA
History has it that the Buganda kingdom had a strong influence over its neighbours for more than two centuries before the arrival of the white man. Unfortunately, the past one hundred years have not favoured my people.
Although times have changed, the claim of ebyaffe (what belongs to us) by the Baganda people is justifiable. They were unconstitutionally stripped of their federal status. This is an injustice that needs to be addressed.
On the face of it, a federal government in Uganda would be good for development and democracy and would allow different groups to preserve their culture.
But the reality is that the system would be out of place in present-day Uganda. For one, monarchical rule favours lineage rather than merit. Leadership based on these considerations would halt progress.
Second, Uganda belongs to the East African Community, which is moving towards a federation that could integrate the region and give it one voice in a fast growing world economy.
It is good to rectify a past injustice, but sometimes a little sacrifice is necessary. In my opinion, Buganda nursed and mothered Uganda. Let us sacrifice the "Big Kingdom" for the good of a united Uganda, which in reality has the potential to benefit all East Africans, instead of clinging to peanuts meant only for us.
MIKE SSEGAWA
Don Bosco College, Moshi
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