Museveni in fresh collision with Baganda
By Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda
WEEKLY OBSERVEREven before the dust caused by agitation for federalism in Buganda has settled down, a fresh row with ethnic overtones is looming between President Museveni and Baganda, Uganda�s largest nationality.
Buganda government officials at Mengo have said little on the record, but some prominent Baganda have accused the President of �manufacturing� a conflict between Baganda and Baruuli, a sub-ethnic group that was until last week part of Buganda Kingdom, under the Kabaka.
Kabaka Mutebi and President Museveni Some analysts argue that Museveni is trying to cut the kingdom to size because Mengo did not fully co-operate during negotiations with the government over what form of federalism to grant Buganda, traditionally Museveni�s political allies.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, said in an interview that the Kabaka�s government had not been invited to the installation of Mwogezi Butamanya, 47, as the cultural leader of Baruuli-Banyala in Nakasongola.President Museveni presided over the ceremony and promised the Baruuli security, transport and Shs 5 million for their new traditional ruler.
Luwero district chairman, Hajji Abdul Nadduli, a Muganda opinion leader and ruling Movement diehard, described Museveni�s action as �commissioning of a new tribe.�
Nadduli pointed out that the same Museveni had in 1988 compared clans to blocks that make a wall, and now he was the one pulling some blocks from the wall.He said Museveni had re-opened a conflict dating back to more than 100 years ago, suggesting that the President should have discussed the matter with the Katikkiro of Buganda if he thought there were any problems.
Rather provocatively, it were rival Bunyoro Kingdom�s representatives who led the installation ceremony in Buruuli.
Bunyoro has its own historical quarrels with Buganda dating back to pre-colonial days. Under colonialism (1894-1962) some counties initially belonging to Bunyoro were annexed and transferred to Buganda, apparently as a reward for the latter�s co-operation in breaking Bunyoro�s back.
Nadduli said he is surprised that Museveni who blocked the restoration of his own Ankole king (Omugabe) claims to be a champion of cultural norms elsewhere.�This is a trick. He wants us to begin fighting so he can turn around and say that �the people who abolished the monarchy were right, see how they are fighting,�� Nadduli said, describing the move as bait.
But not everyone finds fault with Museveni�s actions.
Nakasongola Woman MP Grace Tubwita, a Muruuli, said in an interview that there was nothing wrong with the enthronement of the Baruuli cultural leader.�What is wrong with government coming up to support its people to win back their cultural identity?� Tubwita asked.
However, Katikkiro Ssemwogerere said he only read about the recent developments in Buruuli in the newspapers.�We know that Aburuuli and Abanyala are part of Buganda. The Abanyala even came here (Mengo) to denounce what is going on. We read that Ekitiibwa kya Buganda (Buganda anthem) has been �banned�, that Luganda will no longer be taught in schools there. That is what has scared us,� he said.
He was concerned that Baganda are now being portrayed as �oppressors�, which he said they are not. The Katikkiro said that Baganda are very accommodative and that is why even Gishu settler communities are able to perform their cultural embalu ceremonies on Buganda soil without any interruption.
Ssemwogerere said it is only in Buganda that non-Baganda are elected MPs.Sarah Nansubuga Nyombi, MP for Ntenjeru North, a constituency dominated by Banyala, said the media had blown the matter out of proportion.
She said there are small differences between Baganda and Baruuli/Banyala, like sitting differently while eating. Some Banyala speak only Luganda.
All her Banyala constituents want, Nyombi said, is recognition.Veteran politician and former Attorney General, Abu Mayanja, wondered how the head of state could square his conscience to officiate at the installation of the Baruuli leader when his own Banyankole can�t have Omugabe.
But Katikamu North MP, Lt. James Kinobe, whose constituency borders Buruuli, said in an interview that culture is voluntary and not all Baganda observe their cultural norms.
He saw no problem with Buruuli installing a cultural leader; his only advice being that they should not demand geographical separation.Museveni�s visit to Nakasongola (Buruuli) followed a strong letter he wrote to the Minister of Water, Lands and Environment on November 22, warning Baganda [absentee] landlords against evicting Baruuli peasants.
The letter is reproduced below:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
The Minister of Lands, Water and Environment
Emerging Land Crisis in NakasongolaI am getting reports from security services that absentee landlords are evicting peasants, using their ignorance, and the Government agents, such as RDCs, are not intervening to defend the people. Nakasongola is being cited as one example.
According to the Land Act (CAP 227), section 29 (5), no bonafide or legal tenant, can be forcibly evicted except on a willing seller-buyer basis. How, then, are tenants being evicted? In this case of Nakasongola, I am informed, that the absentee landlords are Baganda, while the squatters are the original owners, the Baruuli. We had resolved this on a win-win basis � tenants are assured of security of tenure and only nominal rent and ownership of the landlords was restored.
In the case of Nakasongola, 85% of the land belongs to absentee landlords (mailo or leasehold). 95% of Baruli/Banyala are squatters.If the landlords do not wish to respect our win-win solution, then, as always, we shall stand squarely on the side of the oppressed and liberate them from this colonial nonsense.
Apparently 3,000 of the much-trumpeted 9,000 square miles by Mengo is in Buruuli. Also, 497.42 square miles of mailoland is in Buruuli. Check the facts quickly. I do not want to hear that peasants are being evicted except if their claims are incompatible with the 2000 Land Act.I demand a prompt report.
Yoweri K. Museveni
President
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