American National Public Radio (NPR) has produced a special program on the current state of affairs in Uganda. In the program His Majesty, Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda and Owek. David Mpanga articulately speak about Buganda hopes and aspirations. Mr. Tamale Mirundi, one of Mr. Museveni’s closest advisors and confidants, responds to Kabaka Mutebi and Buganda on behalf of the NRM government.
Clearly unaware of the concept of the fundamental human right to self-determination, Tamale Mirundi says in Luganda English: “Federalism means Buganda, all of the kingdoms, were sitting down and they create a central government. This is arrogance. Where do they get to mandate, dictate or not? Where do they get the mandate?”
Click here to listen to the NPR special program.
You can also read the text of the broadcast here.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:03 am
I strongly support His Majesty the Kabaka and the Nnabagereka on their view about the Buganda they want to see in a powerful democratic Uganda.The issue here is about identity and how this concept has always been a much mobilizing factor in the development of Buganda and Uganda.If Buganda is accorded some measure of federalism it will be for the good of the entire Ugandan nation because Buganda having harmoniouly welcome all tribes on her land has already shown how it can be a core factor for nationan unity, progress, and peace! Now with a good number of political errors already committed by the central government : the unpopular land bill, now the tabling in Parliament of the unwelcomed Regional Tier Bill, and soon the Kampala City Extension Bill and the blocking of the Kabaka from visiting parts of his kingdom coupled with the recent killing of more than 30 people in the wake of the recent Buganda riots and the continued imprisonment of hundreds of Baganda youths, and in addition to the impolite language some army generals use while talking about the Kabaka and the Baganda, all these are pointers to the fact that the Baganda are a threatened identity in Uganda, whence the need for federalism that will make the people of
Buganda truly acceptable Ugandans in their country.
Buganda has seen all wars our country has endured and the feeling is that in spite of all these Buganda sacrifices for the good of our nation not much has been done to kind of rehabilitate Buganda. With federalism, all people of Buganda will proudly stand behind their very much highly beloved Kabaka and will work tirelessly for Uganda and Buganda.The people of Buganda will never let down their Kabaka, they will take to his orders and you’ll see a happy Uganda taking pride in a happy progressive Buganda.
Several experienced observers have already pointed out the need to listen to the Kabaka’s demands and give them some kind of a positive answer. A happy Buganda is essential for a dynamic progressive Uganda. Central Government will not take any serious risk in granting some form of federal status to Buganda but will instead create a permanent political problem in refusing to do so because it will be denting that unshakeable centuries old Ganda identity which has always been difficult to bend and which has always been the energy supplier towards development and progress. A federal form of government under this very sensible Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II whose very much exceptional wisdom and patriotism has brought all people of Buganda (Baganda and non Baganda)together and is a pride to all Ugandans,will be a political achievement for the NRM and for Uganda. Central Government should take this very intelligent risk in order to avoid danger and real risk ahead! A fully fledged Mengo government will be an asset to Uganda and not the contrary! The new Mengo won’t be the like of the old Mengo! Times and vision have changed!And what the people of Buganda and Uganda want to see now is a new Buganda proudly enjoying its place in the new Uganda that will boast of rehabilitating Buganda and its soul!
Long live the Kabaka! Wangaala Ssebo Magulunnyondo! Wangaala Ggwe Ekitangaala Ekimulisa Enjuba!
Dr G.H.Kkolokolo (Paris / France)
February 21st, 2010 at 8:28 am
mwebale nyo banange mwongele otuyiyiza wetunayogelelako kuba batuziba omumwa gw CBS naye mukama aja kutasa.
March 1st, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Tamale Mirundi is an embarrassment to his clan, tribe, Uganda and humanity. He does not appear to understand the very foundation of the political system he appears to advocate for. Much less does he understand what he would like readers to believe he is opposed to. In essence, he is pandering to save his skin, feed his stomach and, hoping as he should, the system remains what it is for the remainder of his natural life. Otherwise, it is the likes of Mirundi that will be left with the bag hanging. At the end of the day, he has no contribution to his Motherland that he can show or prove with an ounce of credibility. How I wish those close to him were men enough to cause him to wake up and smell the robust aroma of the coffee.
March 17th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
All well-said. Thank you. Tamale Mirundi is exactly what you just described.Sometimes I wonder if he has a brain to realize that he is trying to tame the “untamable” while at the same time trashing his own self.Own self because he is a Muganda whether he likes to own up to it or not.But since he won’t get himself to pride in being a Muganda,which is certainly a choice no one denies him (though myself and all other Baganda do pride ourselves in being Baganda),he is set to re-define the meaning of “No man is an island”.Museveni and Museveni’s people are only using this miserable fellow and he is certainly going to be dispensable pretty soon, and obviously Buganda will not be a place to rest for him when that happens. There’s absolutely nothing new about all this.Tamale might think he is sort of re-writing history,but in fact he is, just like many others, re-writing it!!!!! Ssabasajja Awangaale…Ssabasajja Awangaale…………………..