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.”

walusimbi mayiga

The sacred Kasubi Tombs were burnt during the night of Wednesday March 16, 2010. Within 36 hours after the tragedy on March 18, 2010, Katikkiro Walusimbi announced that a technical committee had been set up to “analyze what was destroyed and draw a reconstruction budget”.  The Katikkiro also announced a finance committee, a committee to organize the official mourning, a security committee, a publicity committee and a coordination committee. He also said that special committees were to be formed by clan leaders (Abataka) and royal family (Abalangira n’Abambejja). On the same day, Mmengo announced that an account named Kasubi Royal Tombs, number 2210600019 had been opened in Centenary Bank, where well-wishers could contribute.  Curiously, the Katikkiro did not announce a committee to find out what could be the cause of fire. Up to now, there is little evidence that either the NRM occupation government or Mmengo is working hard to find who torched the tombs.

The speed at which Mmengo moved to start collecting money for reconstruction without consulting the people of Buganda, seems to have upset many of the Kabaka’s subjects.  Some Baganda are so suspicious that they want Mmengo investigated because they are behaving as if they had plans to rebuild the tombs even before they were burnt (see, “Members of Buganda Royal Family Issue Statement on Kasubi – English“, “Kasubi Fire Requires Independent Investigation, Archbishop Kizito Lwanga“  and “Ekiba Kibe Joins Bataka, Balangira and Bazzukulu To Warn Katikkiro“).

• The royal family issued their own statement to clarify that although Kasubi was for all Baganda, it was the sacred burial grounds for descendants of Ssekabaka Muteesa I.
• Buganda clan heads and cultural leaders (Abataka) also expressed strong opposition to Mmengo’s plans focus on working with UNESCO and the NRM occupation government to restore the sacred Baganda tombs.
• The Great Buganda Lukiiko resolved: “Olukiiko luyisiza ekiteeso eky’okuzzaawo Amasiro g’e Kasubi nga bwegaali era n’okugateeka ku mutindo” (“The Lukiiko has passed a resolution has passed a resolution to restore Amasiro g’e Kasubi [Kasubi Tombs] exactly they were and ensure that they up to standard”).  Note that the Lukiiko never spoke about modernization as the NRM controlled press is now claiming.
• Abazzukulu ba Buganda questioned Mmengo’s qualifications to restore and ancient cultural structure like Kasubi Tombs. They point out that the Mmengo had not record of completing even smaller construction projects such Twekobe or Bulange Plaza. They also rejected the idea letting UNESCO lead the project.
• Ekiba Kibe radio in Boston, which often reflects the frustration Baganda in the diaspora have with the NRM occupation of their country, also strongly advised Katikkiro Walusimbi to ensure that the Abataka and the royal family take the lead since they were responsible for the existence of Kasubi Tombs.
• The Catholic Archbishop of Kampala added a new angle when he called for an independent commission of inquiry and added that Mmengo officials are among those who must be questioned

It is not clear if Katikkiro Walusimbi and his cabinet are willing to become more transparent and allow the citizens of Buganda and owners of the tombs to play a bigger role.

When we sent an email to request the opinion of our New York based analyst, he replied: “If Katikkiro Walusimbi and his team go ahead without proper consultation and support from Baganda all over the world, the project is likely to get stuck like Twekobe and they may not be forgiven this time. There is no reason why they should be rushing. This is not a simple construction project but a job of restoring Baganda’s souls. The process we follow is even more important than the building we will get.

“For example, in my opinion, they should organize seminars for Baganda clans at each ssaza headquarters and with the royal family, to explain the situation and listen to ideas. They should also have similar seminars in Johannesburg, London, Stockholm, New York, Boston, Washington DC and Toronto and other Baganda population centres.  This may take months but will ensure that every Muganda feels part of the project and can properly heal from the shock they suffered when the tombs were burnt. After that, even US$5M dollars could be provided by Kabaka’s subjects alone. Money from others would still be welcome but it would not humiliate Baganda. If Katikkiro Walusimbi and his men continue to make and announce decisions without wide consulting, I can assure Baganda will stand and watch and that will force Mmengo to rely mostly on money from the NRM government and foreigners.  Using NRM money to restore Kasubi is like selling the tombs. Remember that most Baganda blame Museveni and his NRM for the burning of Kasubi Tombs.”

In the mean time, according to sources in Mmengo, the largest contributors so far are: New Vision (Shs 20M); Habib Kagimu (Shs 10M); Museveni’s Gilbert Bukenya (US$10,000); Tumusiime Mutebire (Shs 10M); Museveni’s Apollo Nsibambi ($10,000); Nile Breweries Board (Shs 20M); Mahdvani Group of Companies (Shs 100M); Standard Chartered (Shs 50M); Coca Cola (Shs 15M); and James Mulwana (Shs 10M). As it turns out, several of these were also among the biggest contributors to Museveni’s last presidential campaign. At this pace, the Katikkiro and his cabinet might one day be accused of  restoring the Kasubi Tombs with NRM blood money and keeping Baganda out of the process.

Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has congratulated all Christians upon the completion of the holly lent period.  Below is his full message, released by the Buganda national government:

We congratulate all Christians upon having completed the holy period of lent.

We thank the lord for the gift of life which has helped us reach this glorious day of Easter.

The lent has been a period of counseling and renewing our relationship with God and to that of our fellow people.

Every one of us is a witness of what is currently happening in our country, we are very, very much worried and it is not a good symbol to the country.

And for that matter, despite the end of the lent period, Christians should continue praying to God so that He strengthens their faith for the good of our country.

I wish you all a happy Easter.

God Bless you.

Tinyefuza Is afraid of The Truth, Even China Keitetsi Confirms This In Her Book

By S. Sewagaba

Even China Keitetsi in her book “Child Soldier” said that Tinyefuza used to round up many Baganda soldiers and tie them on a pole and shoot them under the pretext that they were cowards. But the reason he killed many of these Baganda soldiers was because of his intense hatred for Baganda.

By intimidating Otunnu that he will be crushed if he continues to talk about the atrocities in Luwero, Tinyefuza is scared of the truth. Many Baganda lost their lives in Luwero at the hands of both Obote’s soldiers and the NRM’s soldiers. By threatening Otunnu, that he will be crushed for indulging in loose talk because he had proposed that an investigation be conducted about the Luwero massacres, only serves to arouse peoples’ suspicions that may be some of the victims of the Luwero massacres were killed by the NRM. If this is not the case, then I see no reason why Tinyefuza is becoming nervous about Otunnu’s proposition. As in South Africa we need a Truth and Reconciliation commission. Tinyefuza’s hatred for Baganda is paranoid. He sucked in his hatred for Baganda with the milk of his mother’s breast. His hatred is rooted in his envy and jealousy for the Baganda tribe.

Tinyefuza is not alone in his crusade to kill and crush the Baganda. Even a certain Minister in Museveni’s government recently praised the Banyolo for decapitating many Baganda in a place called Kibale. If we are ruled by people who have so much hatred for us, then our calls and clamouring for federalism are justified .Another one of Museveni’s Ministers said that Museveni’s government is capable of humiliating the Baganda even more than Obote did, if they want. Remember that for every action good or bad there is an opposite and equal reaction. Look at what Obote’s people have gone through for over twenty years ironically at the hands of their own people headed by Kony. Tinyefuza, if you mishandle the Baganda, your tribe will face the same fate as the Acholis and Langis have gone through. The Baganda are very accommodative people. They are swamped by every tribe on the map of East Africa. Some of the people residing in Buganda are one of our greatest enemies, like Tinyefuza. Even Obote despised the Baganda for being too accommodative of foreigners instead of thanking us. Our hospitality is always rewarded with cruelity.

The only place Baganda can feel safe in is Buganda. But even there, we are victimized in our own country. So where can we go? We are hated by everybody around. If you killed people in Luwero and you are scared of the truth coming out, then you will pay for it. Tinyefuza being the head of the CMI, I am sure there are many murders of people you are privy to. Now that the truth is being unraveled, you are becoming scared and nervous to the point of threatening Otunnu in order to silence him. Tinyefuza brace yourself for the moment you will have to stand trial. The blood of those people especially the Baganda you killed in Luwero and elsewhere, cries to God from their graves. Heading the CMI will not save you from justice. Remember, Obote, ran away one night without saying good bye to the people of Uganda. He did not have the time to say goodbye. You may not be as lucky as Obote to escape from justice.

S. Sewagaba.

In late February and early March 2010, a man called Ntare told listeners of SMS based Ekiba Kibe program that he is a former Rwandese soldier both in Uganda and Rwanda, who is now a Canadian citizen (see “Rwandese Former Soldier Says Baganda Must Stop Being Cowards” and “We Don’t Want You To Fight For Us, Kabuye Tells Rwandese Soldier”). He warned Baganda that Museveni intended to destroy Buganda. On March 26, 2010, Ekiba Kibe’s Robert Kabuye brought Ntare back to the Free Buganda Radio studios to discuss the burning of Buganda’s sacred Kasubi Tombs.

Ntare, claimed that Museveni is the one who burnt the Kasubi tombs and explained that Museveni’s reasons for doing it are (1) to hit Buganda enough to kill all her strength (“ayagala abakube abamalemu amaanyi”), (2) he is testing to see if your are still united (“abagezaako amanyi alabe oba mukyaali wamu”). Mr. Kabuye then asked Ntare why Baganda must trust him: “Why should we trust you; right now we are not even willing to shake your hand. How do we know you are not Museveni’s agent?” (“Tunakwesiga tutya; kubanga kati tetusobola nakukwaata mu ngalo. Tukwesiga tutya nti toli agent wa Museveni?”). Ntare claimed that his goal is to fight injustices as a freedom fighter. But he also admitted that there was no reason why Mr. Kabuye should trust him.

Ntare also said Museveni is using “divide and rule” to confuse Baganda.. Ntare told Mr. Kabuye Museveni will keep bribing certain Baganda to create problems for strong Baganda nationalists. If that fails Museveni will try to directly try to bribe the same Baganda nationalists. And if that fails, he will use murder.

Click on Ekiba_Kibe26Mar10A to listen to the full March 26, 2010 Ekiba Kibe broadcast.

Most Baganda in North America have reached one conclusion about the fire that gutted Buganda’s national shrine, Amasiro ge Kasubi, the royal cemetery where 4 late kings (Bassekabaka) and many other royals are buried. They put the blame squarely on president Yoweri Museveni and his NRM government. And their suspicions were strenghtned by reports that on Wednesday, scores of Baganda were shot by NRM military police because they gave a hostile audience to Museveni. Museveni went inspect the ashes in the place where the royal tombs once stood. Based on the emails we have received from all over the world, it appears that a huge majority of Baganda view Museveni’s visit as a case of the criminal returning to the scene of the crime.

According to the March 17, 2010 Ekiba Kibe broadcasts, Baganda held big Ggwangamujje mourning gatherings in Boston, New Jersey and Los Angeles on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mourning is expected to go on for sometime but no end dates have been announced.  On the same program, the Chairman of Ggwangamujje Boston describes the various ways Museveni has impoverished, robbed and even killed Baganda. As examples, Mr. Mayanja mentions the young virgins of Budo Primary School who were sacrificed in a ritual dormitory fire, other school fires, the destruction of Buganda agriculture, the closure of CBS, the theft of Buganda’s native lands and the murder of ordinary Baganda. Mr. Mayanja announced more mourning meetings, indicating that in America Baganda might mourn for the Kasubi tombs for longer than the one week which Mmengo wants for Buganda.

Click on Ekiba_Kibe17Mar10C and on Ekiba_Kibe17Mar10D to listen to the Ekiba Kibe programs of March 17, 2010.

Based on the emails we are receiving from Baganda all over the world, Kabaka Mutebi’s subjects are clearly boling with anger. Most of the emails are too graphic and provocative for us to publish. Below is one example from Mr. A. Kyobe:

STALKING THE LION
A. Kyobe

Burning down Buganda’s royal tombs is the kind of provocation that this government under the generalship of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is hunting for (yes, Uganda is under military rule—case in point, see Museveni’s martial strut after the Bududa landslides dressed in army uniform with a Kalashnikov across his chest).

This military president and his bush war comrades know they are getting close to the sensitive nerve that their armed-to-the-teethtribalistic government is hunting for in Buganda.

In fact, all their criminal acts against the people of Buganda are carefully thought-out stratagems to deprive the kingdom of its cherished culture and freedoms:

What with rigged elections, corruption, a malicious constitution that denied us our right to a federal system of government, murdering our Kikubo business corps and blaming it on armed robbers, burning our schools, grabbing our lands and creating false chiefdoms within our kingdom, and making business and economic progress nigh near impossible for the people of Buganda.

Destroying Buganda’s sources of revenue and now this arson….. The result shall be insurrection!

Such is the nerve that Museveni is probing for, prodding us into rebellion; his UPDF/NRM government is provoking us to go into the swamps as we protest these injustices so that they can unleash their lethal police force under Gen.Kayihura, and their illegal militias under the command of the likes of that madman Maj. Kakooza Mutale, and their kiboko-AK47-squads of the Banyankole-Batutsi element of UTODA, and of course the deadly beast of death that General Kaguta’s UPDF is (ask the people of Luwero, Acholiland, Teso, and Karamoja) .

Yes, these Musevenite armies are planning to grind Buganda and its king into smithereens.

And as Museveni’s blood brother, John Nagenda said, “there will not be a Buganda to make noise about but a Ruritanian jeremiad of an opera to amuse the republic.”
Long live the Kabaka.

The four insurgent generals are stalking your every movement with deatth.

You will hear, physically hear, more from us.

These will be good times to die.