On May 14, Katikkiro Walusimbi announce the committees that will oversee the restoration of Kasubi Tombs. Over 80 people, including princes, princesses and clan leaders were appointed to the various committees. In appointing the committees, the Katikkiro totally avoided Baganda in the diaspora. Ironically, this discrimination of Kabaka’s subjects living overseas came only a few weeks after Mmengo launched a campaign to solicit contributions from overseas Baganda.

The decision by Katikkiro Walusimbi and his cabinet upset a few Baganda in Europe and the USA. One member of the ffumbe clan who sent us an email to complain that Mmengo has failed European Baganda when it comes to leadership. The very angry Muganda used some language that we cannot repeat in Buganda Post but the main points he wanted to make can be summarized as follows:

1. Restoring the Kasubi tombs shall require restoration experts; and there a few such Baganda in Canada, USA and Europe, especially in Library Science and Antiquities industries. Mmengo does not want them involved.
2. Restoring the Kasubi tombs is a very complicated project which would require expertise in managing complex projects; and there are several exceptional Baganda project managers around the world but Mmengo trusts Kampala businessmen and politicians more.
3. The people who know most about the architecture and maintenance of the Kasubi tombs are ordinary Baganda from clans like the Ngeye, who have specialized in this work for centuries. These people have no clear representation on the Building and Technical Committee. Yet, that critical committee includes an Indian and at least one convicted criminal (Naava Nabagesera is a convicted embezzler and an NRM operative).
4. Some people in Mmengo have bought into Museveni’s thing of “sharing the cake”, and they really think that restoring Kasubi is about “sharing” instead of “serving”. To them, involving outside Baganda means losing something.

The soon to retire associate professor Forensic Science concludes his email with: “I am so disappointed that Katikkiro Walusimbi so obviously discriminates against us who live outside overseas even when the skills needed to restore Kasubi are totally absent back home. This is why I am sorry to predict that because of the  discrimination against clan institutions and us who live abroad, Mmengo’s plans for Kasubi will have a lot of problems.”

Below are the lists of the committees and their terms of reference from www.buganda.or.ug:

LIST OF COMMITTEES: COMPOSITION, AND TERMS OF REFERENCE.

I.  BUILDING AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ( Akakiiko Akazimbi)

(1)    Owek. Arch. Tonny Kiyimba Kaggwa – Min. Land and Public Buildings    -Chairman

(2)    Arch. Jonathan Nsubuga             (Architect)            :  Member

(3)    Arch. Joel Kateregga                ( Architect)            :  Member

(4)    Mr. D.K.  Ntwatwa                ( Quantity Surveyor)        :  Member

(5)    Eng. Michael Nsereko            (Structural Eng.)        :  Member

(6)    Eng. Kibuuka H.R                ( Civil Engineer)        :  Member

(7)     Eng. Kasekende Martin            ( Civil  Engineer)        :  Member

(8)    Omulangira Suuna Banda            ( Kasubi Com. Rep.)        :  Member

(9)    Naava Nabagesera            (Kasubi Com. Rep.)        :  Member

(10)    Omulangira Mawanda Chwa        (Kasubi Com. Rep.)        :  Member

(11)    Owek. Jolly Lutaaya            ( Min. Local gov’t)        : Member

(12)    Owek. Kaddu Kiberu            ( Min. w’Amakolero        : Member

(13)    Owek. Joyce Ssebugwawo                (Min. eyawumula)        : Member

(14)    Owek. Nelson Kawalya        (Min. w’Obulamu)        : Member

(15)    Owek. Rajin Tailor                    (State Min. Planning &  Economic Devt)       : Member                                                                 

(16)       Owek. Florence N. Kiyingi               (Min.of State Tourism)        : Member

(17)        Owek. Tofiri Malokweza              (Ow’Essaza Kago)        : Member

Co- opted Members:

(18)        Dr. Mukiibi Steven            Architectural   Dept. MUK.

(19)        Mr. Kalanzi David            Former UNESCO program Officer.

(20)       Owek. Dr. Jones Kyazze        Former UNESCO Expert.   

 TERMS OF REFERENCE (EMIRIMU)

1.    Identify the key stakeholders and players to obtain the project brief.

2.    Carry out detailed survey and prepare a Technical Report of the current situation of Muzibu Azaala Mpanga building as destroyed by fire describing in details with photographs the destroyed building and what is on the ground now.

3.    Obtain relevant information and prepare the project Brief for the reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs indicating the contents of each of the three (3) main phases. i.e.

(i)    Emergency Phase I ii) Medium Term Phase II iii) The long term phase III

4.    Identify and develop the required Building plans, specifications, Schedules of Material and Cost Estimates of the building structures for the Emergency Phase I

5.    Prepare and present those Building Plans and cost estimates to both the main Reconstruction Committee and the Nnalinnya Committee and receive their comments/ inputs.

6.    a- Revise and incorporate those comments to produce a final document for use in the construction of the emergency building structures.

b- Prepare schedules of materials and erect temporary hoardings for delivery and storage of materials and encourage site security guards to safely guard the delivered materials

c- Identify, select and engage skilled builders and labour to construct the building according to the plans and specifications and undertake closer supervision of the works, to ensure quality workmanship.

7.    Work with central government and UNESCO to prepare a detailed technical report as per UNESCO standard requirements to declare Kasubi Tombs (Muzibu Azaala Mpanga) an endangered structure and for use to qualify for support as an Emergency reconstruction/ restoration of cultural heritage building.

8.    Identify and develop the required building plan specification, schedules of materials and cost estimates to Muzibu Azaala Mpanga building structure as they are core building for the Phase II; Reconstruction/ Restoration of the Culture heritage building.

9.    Prepare and present those building plans, specifications, schedules of materials and cost estimates to both the main reconstruction committee and the Nnalinya committee, central government and UNESCO and receive their comments/inputs.

10.    Revise and incorporate those comments to produce a final document for the use in the reconstruction of  Muzibu Azaala Mpanga building structure.

11.    Retrieve and review any existing plan and prepare a Master plan for the redevelopment of the entire Kasubi Masiro plan including other Buganda Kings burial sites for optimum utilization of the Lands for its cultural functions and education/ Information about the Ssekabaka’s and the Balangira clan burial grounds.

12.    Undertake any other tasks related to this project.

II. FINANCE COMMITTEE ( Akakiiko k’Ebyensimbi)

1.    Owek. Eva Nagawa Mukasa       Omuwanika                    Ssentebe

2.    Owek. Twaha Kawaase      Omubeezi w’Omuwanika                      Mumyuka

3.    Amb. William Naggaga     Permanent Secretary                Member

4.    Owek. Apollo Makubuya     Attorney General                Member

5.    Owek. Daudi Mpanga                Min. Omubeezi owa Research            Member

6.    Omul. Namugala Mawanda David                                 Member

7.    Nalinya Sarah Kagere                                Member

8.    Owek. Walusimbi Mpanga Solome                        Member

9.    Ms. Rosette Namisi                                Member

10.    Hon.  Tim Lwanga                 Former M.P/Kyamuswa            Member

11.    Amb. James Mulwana    MD Nice House of Plastics  & former UMA Chairman          Member   

12.    Mr. Kibirige            Chairman BMK Group    of Companies.        Member

EX- OFFICIALS

13.    Mr. Robert Kasozi        Personnel Officer CBS                Member

14.    Ms. Teddy Nagawa        Accountant GLB                 Secretary.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

•    Identification of Fundraising methods

 •    Disbursement of Funds

•    Supervise the Funds Manager

•    Opening and maintaining Fundraising Accounts.

III. CULTURAL COMMITTEE (Akakiiko k’Eby’ennono)

1.    Amb. W.S.K. Matovu        Min. we Nkuluze/Chief Palace Advisor    Ssentebe

2.    Omutaka Nick Ssali        Palace Advisor                 Memba

 3.    Omutaka Kasujju Lubinga                        Memba

4.    Omutaka Kibaale                            Memba

5.    Omw. Patrick Bulenzi        Omukugu mu by’Amasiro        Memba

6.    Major A. Senkoma                            Memba

7.    Ababaka b’Abakulu b’Ebika                        Ba Memba

8.    Nnalinnya ne Lubuga aba Ssekabaka Muteesa I            Ba memba

N’Omukyala omu    (3)

9.    Nnalinnya ne Lubuga aba Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II            Ba memba

N’Omukyala omu    (3)

10.    Nnalinnya ne Lubuga aba Ssekabaka Muteesa II            Ba memba

N’Omukyala omu  (3)

EMIRIMU GY’AKAKIIKO

1.    Okulungamya Akakiiko akazimbi ku nnono n’obulombolombo ebiteekwa okukolebwa nga gazimbibwa.

2.    Okulambika n’okumanyisa ebyafaayo ebikwata ku Masiro nga bwegazimbibwa n’engeri gye gabadde gaddabirizibwamu.

ENKOLA ENEGOBERERWA.

Okunoonyereza n’okuteeka mu buwundiike ensonga zino:

1.    Amasiro kye ki?

2.    Amasiro gaani?

3.    Ba Kabaka baziikibwa batya era baani abavunaanyizibwa okubaziika?

4.    Ani avunaanyizibwa okulabirira Amasiro?

5.    Nnalinnya ne Lubuga aba Masiro be baani era ani abalonda?

6.    Katikkiro, Kaggo n’Abaami ba Masiro bakola ki era balondebwa batya?

7.    Abakyala ba Bassekabaka be baani era balabirirwa batya?

8.    Kasubi yafuuka ddi Amasiro?

9.    Ennyumba endala ezisangibwa mu Masiro ziri meka era baani bannyinizo?

10.    Lwaki Kasubi agalamizibwamu Bassekabaka 4 so nga awalala waliyo omu?

11.    Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa mu 1938 yasiima Muzibu Azaala Mpanga azimbibwe obuggya, biki ebyakolebwa ku mulundi ogwo?

12.    Biki ebitekeddwa okukolebwa kati era biddiringana bitya?

13.    Emizizo gyo mu Masiro gyegiriwa?

14.    Nnalinnya wa Masiro avunaanyizibwa ku biki?

IV.   SECURITY COMMITTEE (Akakiiko K’obutebenkevu)

1.    Owek. Amb. William Matovu           Min. we Nkuluze/ Chief Palace Advisor    Ssentebe

2.    Major A. Senkoma          Head of Security  mu    Lubiri            Memba

IV. a) RESEARCH SUB- COMMITTEE ( Akakiiko k’okunoonyereza)

1.    Owek. Daudi Mpanga        Min. wa Research            Ssentebe

2.    He reports to Attorney General (Owek. Apollo Makubuya) n’Owek. Amb. Matovu Minister w’Enkuluze.

TERMS OF REFFERENCE

1.    To establish (on the balance of probabilities) the cause of the fire at the Kasubi Tombs and to identify all contributory factors to such cause as may be established.

2.    To analyse trends of fires and/or desecration of other Royal Tombs in Busiro and establish whether these trends conform to a pattern and, if so, identify the drivers of these trends.

3.    To liaise with the Police and the Kingdom’s security in the above research.

4.    To make recommendations regarding the safety and security of the Kasubi and other Royal Tombs in the future.

V. AKAKIIKO K’OKUKOLA KUMBEERA Z’ABAKOZI MU MASIRO (Welfare)

1. Owek. Apollonia Mugumbya    – Min. wa Bakyala ne Bulungibwansi         Ssentebe

2. Owek. Joyce  Ssebugwawo          Minister eyawumula                 Mumyuka

3. Omw. Alozio Kasakya                                 Muwandiisi

4. Owek. Solome Walusimbi                             Memba

5. Omuk. David Ntege                                   Mumba

6. Muky. Mukiibi Regina                                Memba

7. Kamya Ssengendo                                  Memba

8. Nalongo Naddima Mpanga                              Memba

9. Ssaalongo Mulumba                  Katikkiro wa Masiro ge Kasubi            Memba

10. Hajji B.B. Katongole        – Chairman Buganda Scouts Council          Memba

11. Naava Kironde                                     Memba

12. Hajji Saabiti Ssebunya                                Memba

13. Omw. Mutale Tendo                                Memba

TERM OF REFERENCE (EMIRIMU)

1.    Okutuuza enkiiko n’okutema empenda n’okunoonya obuyambi obwenjawulo.

2.    Okunoonya obuyambi okuyimirizaawo Abazaana n’Abakozi abalala ab’enjawulo.

3.    Okulabirira ab’Ebika abalina obuvunaanyizibwa ku by’ennono n’obulombolombo ku nzimba y’Amasiro.

4.    Okulabirira ba Nakyewa okuva mu Masaza ag’enjawulo abanaayambako okuleeta ebikozesebwa n’okuzimba.

5.    Okukola ku nsonga:

-    Y’okunoonya abantu abo bonna abogeddwako waggulu.

-    Entambula yaabwe

-    Endya yaabwe

-    N’enzijjanjaba nga balwadde.   

VI. MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE (Akakiiko k’okukuunga abantu)

1. Owek. Jolly Lutaaya        Min. w’Ebitundu n’okukunga abantu      

2. Owek. Nsamba Kumama    Omubeezi w’Ebitundu n’obwegassi       

3. Owek. P.K. Ssengendo        Ssentebe w’Abamasaza                    

4. Owek. Tofiri Malokweza         Ow’Essaza Kaggo                         

5. Owek. Alex Kigongo        Ow’Essaza Ssekiboobo           

6. Owek. Nawuba Kifulukwa    Ow’Essaza Kayima               

7. Owek. Twaha Lwanyaga    Ow’Essaza Katambala             

8. Owek. Hajji Badru Bunkeddeko        Dy. Kaggo                           

9. Omw. Guster Lule            Ntake Bakery( Musuubuzi)                        

10. Omw. Mukasa James        VIVA General Merchandise    (musuubuzi)               

11. Omw. Ssembatya Paul    Musuubuzi                  

12. Muky. Teopista Nabbale    Musuubuzi                   

13. Hajjati Nulu Mpungu        Musuubuzi                   

14. Hajjati Faridah Naggawa          Musuubuzi                   

15. Omw. Andrew Banon Kibuuka      Ssentebe Bannakatemba                  

16. Omuky. Mariam Ndagire           Munnakatemba                

17. Omw. Ronald Mayinja               Munnakatemba              

18. Omw. Lawrence Mulindwa          FUFA President               

19. Omw. Fredrick Mutebi          Musuubuzi                  

20. Omw. Sseguya Evaristo          Musuubuzi                   

21. Owek. Godfrey Mbalire           Mukwenda                   

EMIRIMU GY’ AKAKIIKO KANO.

•    Okutema empenda y’okukungamu abantu ba Ssaabasajja mu kuzimba Amasiro naddala nga bayita mu Masaza, abayimbi. Abasuubuzi, amasiro n’abantu abalala ab’enjawulo.

•    Okukwatagana n’obukiiko obwateekebwawo okuzimba Amasiro ga Bassekabaka naddala mu kukunga abantu.

•    Okwetaba mu ntuula z’akakiiko kano lwekanaabanga katudde.

 VII. INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE (Akakiiko Ak’empuliziganya)

1.    Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga             Min. wa Information              

2.    Owek. Daudi Mpanga                 Omubeezi wa Research            

3.    Owek. Mathias Mpuuga             Omubeezi wa Bavubuka           

4.    Owek. Medard Lubega Sseggona      Omubeezi wa Mawulire        

TERMS OF REFERENCE (EMIRIMU)

1.    To liase with all Committees about the progress in their work.

2.    To communicate with the public and inform them of developments in the work of the committees.

 

VIII. PLANNING COMMITTEE (Akakiiko Akateesiteesi)

1.    Owek. Edward Katimbo Mugwanya           Min. wa Pulojekiti          

2.    Eng. Aloysius  Lubowa                               

3.    Owek. Steven Nnawuba   Ow’Essaza Kayima    / Accountant          

4.    Mr. Lawrence Kyazze        Lecturer MUBS               

5.    Mr. George Ssendaula        Architect                   

6.    Prof. W. Joseph Ssenyonga                           

TERMS OF REFERENCE (EMIRIMU)

-    To undertake the physical planning of all other Royal tombs sites except the Kasubi Tombs site, they are 34 Royal Tombs sites.

-    To identify ownership and size of the land on which all the Royal Tombs stand and plan the respective land use.

-    To assess the condition of the respective Royal Tombs and determine the renovations required.

-    Plan and advise how they can be maintained and their source of income.

-    Plan physical security of all the Royal Tombs.

IX. KASUBI CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE (Akakiiko Akatabaganya Obukiiko Bw’abalangira N’abambejja)

1.    Ssaabalangira Eng. Moses Kayima   

2.    Nnalinya Beatrice Namikka       

3.    Omulangira Eng. Kagga Lukanga  

4.    Naava Nabagesera          

5.    Omulangira Ssuuna Banda      

EMIRIMU

Okutabaganya emirimu gy’obukiiko okuli;-

-    Ak’ensimbi

-    Ak’okuzimba

-    Aka’ebyobuwangwa

-    N’akamawulire

X. TOURISM COMMITTEE (Akakiiko K’ebyokulambula)

1.    Owek. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi       State Min. for Tourism           

2.    Mr. Lyazi Vivian               Ministry of trade , Tourism & Industry       

3.    Ms. Florence Namayanja    Chairperson Buganda Tourism Board       

4.    Mrs Maria Kiwanuka        Proprietor Radio Kaboozi ku bbiri       

5.    Prince Wasajja Jamil                             

6.    Prof. Robert Ssenyonga    Tourism Lecturer MUK          

XI. CO- ORDINATION COMMITTEE (Akakiiko Akakwanaganya Emirimu Gy’obukiiko Bwonna)

1.    Amb. E.L.Ssendaula         1st Deputy Katikkiro/ Admin. and Min. for Buganda Affairs

According to the Waltham page under www.boston.com, non-Baganda Ugandans in the Boston area: “will gather at Waltham Square Saturday to share their condolences and raise money for the Kasubi Tombs, an important Ugandan landmark that was destroyed in a fire last month.” Many Baganda were not impressed and mounted  a campaign to boycott the NRM funded event and, if possible to have Mmengo reject the funds.  Click  on Ekiba_Kibe22Apr10A to listen to the campaign by Baganda using Ekiba Kibe program on SMS based Free Buganda Radio.

The online article quotes Ruth Ndyabahika,  a Rwandese and one of the event organizers saying that: “the tombs are culturally important to Ugandans and many are feeling the loss.”  This writer has also seen information from the organizers showing that the event is sponsored by non-Baganda groups of Ugandans like Twegayite and Banyakigezi. Ironically, members of these same group openly made fun of Buganda and labelled the Kabaka of Buganda a trouble-maker. When Baganda in Boston and New York/New Jersey organized events to mourn the loss of Kasubi Tombs these non-Baganda kept away.

As of Friday April 23, 2010, the NRM’s chief agents in the USA, Perez Kamunanwire and Ruhakana Rugunda planned to attend, with Rugunda as chief guest. Funding for the event reportedly came from the New York NRM station chief, Rugunda.

The main concerns are that (a)  organization such as Banyakigezi and Twegayite never send any condolences to established Baganda institutions like Ggwangamujje NY/NJ or Ggwangamujje Boston or to the elected Kabaka’s representatives in area, (b) in the organizers minds, Kasubi Tombs are just a Uganda landmark or tourist attraction, As one email we got from Boston put it: “Bano Abakiga n’Abasoga abamu balowooza nti obukulu bwa Kasubi tourism. Kiringa Omuyitale obutamanya nti Vatican eri ku mutima gwa buli Mukatuliki, ye nalowooza nti omugaso gwaayo kuleeta balambuzi mu Yitale.” (“Some of these Bakiga and Basoga think that the most important things about Kasubi is being a tourist site. It is like an Italian who does not understand that the hearts of Roman Catholics and thinks that the Vatican is an Italian tourist attraction.”)

The campaign by the NRM to promote Kasubi as a “Ugandan” historical site is especially sensitive to Baganda because it suggests intentional cultural genocide. To them, Kasubi is an active burial site for Buganda’s Kabakas and all grand children of its founder, Ssekabaka Muteesa II. Members of the fast reviving Basamize (Buganda native religion) movement believe that the spirits of all the four Kabakas buried at Kasubi live in the  Kibira section of the tombs. Miraculous, the Kibira was not destroyed by the Kasubi fire on  3/16 due to a sudden cloud of rain that fell for a few minutes just before the whole building could get destroyed.

New Vision newspaper, the NRM Government mouthpiece,  has quoted the minster of gender and social development, Gabriel Opio saying that the Kasubi Tombs are partly owned by the republic of Uganda. According to the April 9, 2010 edition of the New Vision, the 65 year old Opio who comes from Samia-Bugwe, said: “The site is owned by three partners, Buganda, Uganda and UNESCO, and there is a role for each. The Government makes sure there are proper designs and a plan ahead of the reconstruction.”  To many Baganda, the statements open the possibility that, in future, the NRM government may have exercise the claim to ownership to influence who gets buried at Kasubi and who does not and what Baganda cultural practices continue to be observed in the sacred buildings.

In the same news report, the New Vision quotes a man, Lazare Eloundou, who claims to be a UNESCO official saying: “We have conducted several working sessions, both with the Government and the Buganda Kingdom. The desire to urgently see the site reconstructed was expressed by all.”  The New Vision further reports that Eloundou said that his UNESCO team would write a series of recommendations, which would be submitted to both the Government and UNESCO for consideration. The report will include costing of how much is needed, the plans and designs for the site.

Kasubi Tombs was constructed in 1882, following Baganda native designs and architecture. Each Baganda clan had a role to play in the design and construction of the tombs and many of the design elements the 50 or so clans. The same Baganda clans also have special customary duties they carry out in the maintenance of the tombs, up to March 16, 2010. It is the unique architecture, cultural ambience, continuity of ancient Baganda customary practices, and its use as a royal burial ground that gave Kasubi Tombs it the international fame.

A Muganda employee [identity withheld on request], who works for the United Nations and has been following the Kasubi restoration story very closely has requested Buganda Post to warn Kabaka Mutebi and his subjects that there is a conspiracy to Ugandanize the sacred burial ground of the Buganda royal family. He said: “Certain Mmengo officials who constantly declare their royalty to Kabaka and the kingdom are part of this conspiracy and that is why they play along with the NRM propaganda that Kasubi belongs to Uganda. We must take the demand by Archbishop Lwanga for an independent investigation seriously. I agree the archbishop that Mmengo officials, especially those who have been pushing for introducing imported building materials at Kasubi must be investigated. UNESCO and its attempts to push that Kasubi be redesigned by non-Baganda so called professionals must also be challenged. It is starting to look more and more that the Museveni and a few collaborators in Buganda government might have burnt Kasubi to create this opportunity to grab the royal tombs from Buganda and Ugandanize it. Even a few UNESCO men could be involved in this cultural genocide.”

The UN Muganda employee advised concerned Baganda to go through their organizations to directly lodge complaints to the Secretary General and assertively accuse UNESCO of collaborating with the Government of Uganda to commit cultural genocide against the indigenous peoples of Buganda. he says: “Question why UNESCO claims that they are ready to redesign the tombs without first investigating the cause of the fire and without consulting the people of Buganda through their clan systems. If UNESCO is ignorant of how the Amasiro came to be and is not consulting the Abataka who constructed and maintained them, how can they be qualified to redesign and restore them? Insist that everything must be done through the clan system and the royal family. Otherwise this will be like 1900 when a few Mmengo collaborators sold 50% Buganda for personal gain and weakened our clans and our Kabaka to where they are now. Use the huge amount of evidence that is available in New Vision, Monitor, You Tube and other sources.”