Is the Kingdom of Buganda a Political Condom?
The Monitor (Kampala)
OPINION
June 8, 2005
By Emmanuel GyezahoNot very original but sticky and important all the same. Dr Sulaiman Kiggundu the former Bank of Uganda governor echoed the words of former Nyabushozi MP Elly Karuhanga that Buganda has been used as a condom by the NRM regime. For the faint hearted, such a statement will surely pass on as base and contemptuous. But those reading between the lines believe there is truth in such an assertion.
In 1962, Buganda representatives in the Legislative Council struck an alliance with the Uganda People's Congress and formed the UPC-Kabaka Yekka (KY) coalition government that received the instruments of independence with Dr Milton Obote as Prime Minister and Kabaka Edward Mutesa II as President. Obote was even christened Bweete and belonged to the Mamba clan.
Ceremonial leader
But while historians believe this is the only time Buganda has effectively participated in the effective running of government in Uganda, Muteesa's presidency was simply ceremonial as all executive powers were vested in the Prime Minister.
As soon as he had consolidated himself in power, Obote kicked out Buganda from the alliance and for good measure abolished kingdoms and declared Uganda a Republic in 1967.
UPC stalwart MP Aggrey Awori believes "all subsequent governments have used Buganda for political support at the capital."
Even the "conqueror of the British Empire" Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada (RIP) knew he wouldn't legitimise his junta without support from Buganda.
When in 1979, Idi Amin brought back the body of Buganda Kabaka Sir EdwardMuteesa after his demise in London and won the hearts of so many in Buganda, he was christened Sempa of the Fumbe (civet clan). But he refused to restore Kabaka ship or Federo.
Obote in his second stint as President firmly locked Buganda in closet and didn't pretend about his broken ties with the Mengo establishment. General Tito Okello was totally oblivious of Buganda's strategic political role and didn't last in the Presidency for a year. While Okello (RIP) had no total regard for Buganda, a few rebels were provided a sanctuary in Luwero as they fought a guerrilla war with the then government forces.
"This Government has used Buganda right from the bush war that was fought on Buganda soil. It was not fought in Ankole. That war destroyed Buganda people and property," Veteran politician Abu Mayanja says.
Mengo spokesman Charles Peter Mayiga concurs and says while it is politically wise for every seating regime to have a very cordial relationship with the kingdom "definitely the NRM administration has relied on Buganda a great deal.
I think the President has got his biggest majority of votes from Buganda in both elections."
Buganda influence
Would Gen. Museveni enjoy the plush environs of State House had it not been for support from Buganda?
"This particular Government should have been more grateful to Buganda given the war in Luwero and the anti Obote sentiments of Buganda which legitimised and strengthened the NRA.
Without Buganda bankrolling in terms of political support of the NRM, they would not be in power," MP Awori says and adds, "I don't see anything concrete that Buganda has achieved today. Buganda is no longer the leading producer of coffee, is no longer the food basket of Uganda (producing Matooke).
That axis has shifted to Mbarara," MP Awori observes while Abu Mayanja says, "When you look at people like Lutamaguzi and all these people who sacrificed a lot, it appears as if that sacrifice was washed down."
With Government and Mengo in agreement over the regional tier, has Buganda been in a position to bargain effectively for its much-cherished federo? While Peter Mayiga says, "so far things are moving on so well", Abu Mayanja believes Buganda is being taken for a ride.
"I am not convinced that there will be a regional tier. There is no money in the budget for next financial year for the tier. And besides this tier will not be a power centre or a source of decision. The people at Mengo will simply be serving as a post office carrying out the policies and programs of the central government," he says.
Buganda today compared to the Obote 1 regime, pitifully stands with less influence at the power axis. "I don't see anybody really powerful in Buganda seated at the centre today," Awori says.
Had there been a really strong Buganda would Prof Gilbert Bukenya (Buganda's highest serving NRM official) for instance, have been forced to backtrack and deny the existence of a cabinet mafia he reported was plotting his down fall?
Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Buganda has been used over and over, without her self really benefitting. How much longer will this trend continue?
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