Boston USA based Radio Free Buganda made history when the commemoration of Kabaka Mutebi’s coronation live from the Butambala County  for at least 4 hours on Friday and Saturday.  The RFB broadcasts were especially important because, according to our sources in broadcasting, the NRM occupation government’s Robert Kabushenga ordered all major new organizations in Uganda not to report on the huge crowds in Butambala. Bukedde was allowed to report on the Kabaka’s tour of Butambala but not to include crowd sizes or live pictures. So, Free Buganda Radio was the only totally channel independent of the NRM occupation government that reported the celebrations live. 

The local correspondent on the ground, Eddie Mulyanyamumwa, who was speaking live on www.ekibakibe.com by phone said:  “Nze simanyi nnyo kubala bantu, naye kirabika abantu bassuka emitwaalo nga ena” (“I am not an expert at counting people but it appears that there are at least 40,000 people”).

The Kabaka was officially welcomed by the Butambala County chief, Twaha Lwanyaga, who introduced all the remaining 17 county chiefs. Other important Buganda figures present included the Katikkiro JB Walusimbi, princes and princesses, Buganda cabine members, Omutaka Nakirembeka, Alan Waliggo, all the Gombolola chiefs in Butambala and many others.

The Radio Free Buganda anchor in Boston, Mr. Robert Kabuye, inserted some humor in the long broadcast during the prayers. This is when one Reverend Matovu prayed for NRM’s president Museveni for “restoring the Buganda Kingdom”. Upset by the NRM propaganda from Reverend Matovu, Mr. Kabuye inserted his voice in the feed from Butambala and said: “Eyo esaala esabira Museveni atta abantu? Oyo omusumba wa NRM. ” (“A prayer for Museveni   who is killing people? That clergyman is an NRM.”)

For more details on Radio Free Buganda and Ekiba Kibe live broadcasts and replays go to: http://www.ekibakibe.com.

OPEN LETTER FROM KABAKA’S REPRESENTATIVES IN NORTH AMERICA TO BUGANDA POST

July 28, 2010

We, the Kabaka’s Representatives in North America (Canada and the USA), would like to respond to your article entitled “Questions as Moses Wilson Thanks Kabaka’s Representatives” published on July 25,2010. We would like to clarify and refute some of the misleading, speculative, and damaging information that is contained in your over-referenced posting.  

1. First of all, you expressed concern in your publication that the press release issued by the Kabaka’s Representatives on July 23, 2010, did not specify whether the “official communication from Buganda Kingdom administration” was sent to the Kabaka’s Representatives by the “Kabaka, the Katikkiro or another person in Buganda Kingdom.” It might have been an oversight on our part not to mention that the communication we received was issued by the Katikkiro. However, since the Katikkiro is the leader of the “Buganda Kingdom Administration”, we assumed that it would be fairly obvious to you that the Katikkiro was the source of this communication. Certainly it is naive on your part to suggest that Ssabasajja Kabaka issued the communication because that would not be his role. The Kabaka is not normally engage in the mundane day-to-day operations of the Buganda Kingdom Administration.
2. Secondly, you indicated in your publication that there were “ongoing conference calls and arguments between Kabaka’s Representatives, UNAA organizers and certain political activists about Katikkiro’s letter of July 0,2010.” You also speculated that “it appears as if the press release by the Kabaka’s Representatives intentionally avoided mentioning Katikkiro as a compromise with certain political interests.” You are simply wrong because we do not know of any Kabaka’s Representatives who participated or engaged in any conference calls with “UNAA organizer and certain political activists about the Katikkiro’s letter.” It would be worthwhile for you provide names of any Kabaka’s Representatives who engaged in such conference calls to prove that what you have written has merit. Please understand that these allegations that you are making about Kabaka’s Representatives are baseless and untrue. These are wild allegations that your publication should not be engaged in, if you claim to work for the good of Buganda.
3. Thirdly, you also asked why the Kabaka’ Representatives did not report the Katikkiro’s message to the general public for 3 days. We would like to mention that the Katikkiro’s letter was specifically addressed to Kabaka’s Representatives. Please understand that not all the information sent to Kabaka’ s Representatives by the Buganda Kingdom Administration is automatically released to the general public because that would not be appropriate. It usually requires a coordinated, joint effort by the Kabaka’s Representatives to issue a press release. There is no specific time-frame within which the Kabaka’s Representatives have to respond or to communicate such information to the public.
4. Finally, we, the Kabaka’s Representatives, believe that your publication, the Buganda Post, would he more useful and more credible if you disclosed the source of the information you publish. Your reporters or writers should reveal their names; otherwise one might conclude that your publication is simply engaged name calling and peddling lies and innuendoes. This sort of smear campaign is very destructive to the development of Buganda.

Wycliffe R.Lule-Musoke, Kabaka’s Representative in the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. CONTACT is lam5@aol.com

Thomas K. Lwebuga, Kabaka’s Representative in the states of Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. CONTACT is tlwebuga@yahoo.com

Emmanuel Kintu, Kabaka’s Representative in the states of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Montana and Utah. CONTACT is drekintu@gmail.com

Omulongo Abdulaziz Wasswa-Damulira, Kabaka’s representative in the states of Illinois Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Missouri. CONTACT is mulongo2003@Yahoo.com.au

Samuel Mwanje Kiggwe, Kabaka’s Representative in the states of Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. CONTACT is kiggwe@aoI.com

 Christine Nabukeera, Kabaka’s Representative in Canada. CONTACT is awola19@yahoo.com

Abu L. Senkayi, Ph.D. Kabaka’s Representative in the states of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma. CONTACT is senkayi@yahoo.com

Jane Sserwanga, (Acting) K. R. in Massachusetts,  Rhode Island, New England, and Connecticut. CONTACT is Jsserwanga80@gmail.com

Yesterday, we published a copy of the press release that Kabaka’s representatives in North America issued on July 23,  2010, in connection within UNAA (see “Kabaka’s Representatives Send Intriguing Press Release On UNAA”). The representatives said that they had received an “official communication from the Buganda Kingdom Administration”, but never indicated if it was the Kabaka, the Katikkiro or another person in the Buganda Kingdom  who sent it to them.   Surprisingly, only a few hours later, the Chairman of NRM backed UNAA, Moses Wilson, issued his own press release thanking the Kabaka’s representatives for their press release. 

Since Wednesday, our sources in Boston, Washington DC and California were reporting  to us ongoing conference calls and arguments between Kabaka’s representatives, UNAA organizers and certain political activists about the Katikkiro’s letter of July 20, 2010. In fact, it appears as if  the press release by the Kabaka’s representatives intentionally avoided mentioning Katikkiro as a compromise with certain political interests. The very quick and thankful from Mr. Wilson only served to raise more questions about the loyalty of Kabaka’s representatives to Kabaka and Buganda.  One question is why Mr. Wilson, who saw the Katikkiro’s letter on Wednesday is pretending that it is the Kabaka representatives are the ones who clarified Buganda’s position.  Another question is whether Moses Wilson and Fred Kalema-Musoke sincerely believe that Buganda would not be participating in UNAA as stated in the Katikkiro’s letter, even if the current occupant of the Nnabagereka institution attends.

Some of these and other questions were also raised by Mr. Robert Kabuye on his www.EkibaKibe.com 1:30 PM radio program (July 25, 2010).  One question is, why the representatives did not report the Katikkiro’s message for 3 days. Robert Kabuye complained directly to the Katikkiro, asking: “Ababaka bakikirira ani?” (“Who do the Kabaka’s representatives represent?”). He explained that the representatives were elected by Baganda in their individual areas but they are now serving themselves, even censoring Katikkiro messages to us. According to Mr. Kabuye, many of his www.EkibaKibe.com listeners also want the Buganda Government delegation to come to Ttabamiruka ’10 prepared to explain the purpose of Kabaka’s representatives and why some behaving rebelliously. He added that the theme his radio for the whole of next week will be the Kabaka’s representatives and who they serve.

We reproduced Moses Wilson’s message without editing below:

From: UNAANET@yahoogroups.com [mailto:UNAANET@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of President UNAA
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 8:13 PM
To: unaanet@yahoogroups.com
Cc: ucoca@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [UNAANET] Nnabagereka to present UNAA Key Note Speech

 Community Members,

I would like to express my appreciate to Ssabasajja Kabaka’s
Representatives in the US and Canada for their recent clarification of the
position of the Government of Buganda relative to the upcoming UNAA
convention in Washington, DC. Some confusion had arisen as to exactly who
from the Kingdom was going to the UNAA convention in Washington, DC, and
who was going to the Ttabamiruka Convention in New Jersey.

In their official communication, the Kabaka’s Representatives very clearly
stated that the Government of Buganda was not sending representatives or
participating in the UNAA convention due to various ongoing issues in the
Kingdom.

However, the UNAA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has
received confirmation that HRH Sylvia Nnaginda, Nnabagereka of Buganda,
will lead a delegation comprised of representatives from the Uganda Cancer
Research Foundation and the Nnabagereka Development Foundation to the UNAA
Convention in Washington, DC, where she will deliver the Key Note Speech.

Convention and Hotel Registration information can be found on the official
UNAA website (www.unaa.org)

Sincerely,

Moses R. Wilson
President (2009-2011)
Ugandan North American Association

Recently promoted and married Capt. Frank Musisi of the United States Army, has sent a press statement to Buganda Post, describing that has been going on in his life the last few months.  In his statement, Capt. Musisi talks about his wedding in Kampala, his appointment by Katikkiro Walusimbi as a funds mobilize for Kasubi Tombs and his appointment to the rank of Captain in the United States Army. It appears that Mmengo never took the trouble to explain to Capt. Mu Musisi that it is not proper in Buganda to make public reports that mix information about Kabaka’s work (e.g., fund raising for Kasubi) with personal stories like weddings or job promotions.

The statement by Capt. Musisi is reproduced in full below:

Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010

 Dear friends and well wishers:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES: 

I send greetings to you and your families as we approach the Memorial Day weekend in just seven days.

 I must apologize this appreciation could have come sooner but I hope you will understand that this delay in writing was beyond my control.

 Now that I am back in Los Angeles after a two-week tour that took me to Fresno (California), Atlanta (Georgia), and Dallas (Texas), I must say that I was humbled by the hundreds messages of support, messages of congratulations and encouragement that have been sent to me over the last two months for the events that have taken place in my life. These included the following: 

• Our wedding that took place in Kampala, Uganda in March
• Being appointed the Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer for funds in the U.S. for Kasubi Royal Tombs
• Promotion to the rank of Captain in the United States Army.

 Our Wedding: My wife Betty and I extend our thanks to you for the contributions, support and hours of preparations that many of you put in to ensure that we had a very successful wedding in Kampala on March 27^th, 2010 at the Lubaga Cathedral followed by a reception at Hotel Africana. Our sincere appreciation to the Frank and Betty Musisi wedding Committee headed by Mr. Siraje Mugambe of Los Angeles and his entire team together with the Uganda committee headed by Mr. J.B. Musoke and Joel Kiwanuka. We also acknowledge the support of Mr. Edwin Muwonge (Best man) and Godfrey Muwonge both of Wisconsin, and Freddie Munawa of Seattle who accompanied us to the wedding. Our thanks to many of you from different cities and states that supported us through the entire wedding process we pray that the Lord reward accordingly. Our appreciation goes to Hajj Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige aka BMK for the wonderful hospitality.

 Appointment as: Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer for funds in the U.S. for the restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs 

Ladies and gentlemen, I must thank the Ssaabasajja Kabaka, the Katikkiro and his leadership, and the people of Buganda Kingdom for this appointment. As a Muganda, a Ugandan and an African immigrant in the U.S. who prides myself in preservation of our culture and norms, I must say that I accepted this great responsibility with honor and humility. This is a task I don’t take lightly and I am very confident that with your support as expressed in your congratulatory messages to me, we will be successful towards this noble cause. As we morn the loss of our Muzibu Azaala Mpanga we must remember that we will be judged by what we do rather than what say towards cause. Having attended the Special session of the Lukiiko on 22^nd March and Kasubi Tombs Prayers on the 26^th March as a speciall guest, it give me a sense of understanding and appreciation of the magnitude of the work to be done. I was indeed touched and overcame with emotion when I visited the gutted Kasubi Tombs, it is unimmaginable what happened to this ancentral place. We must do everything in our power and means to rebuild it! Gutusinze nnyo ayi Ssaabasajja Kabaka! Gutusingidde ddala, Tetwasobola kukuuma Kasubi! 

 To this I must commend volunteers that have stepped forward and joined the Kasubi Royal Tombs Restoration Fund Committee, to be used as a vehicle to raise funds under the office of the Buganda Kingdom Special Mobilizer in the United States. More volunteers committed to this work are welcome and being integrated into the committee as we move on this selfless patriotic assignment.  The official launch of this noble cause will take place this coming Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, 30^th May 2010 in Los Angeles, California at the Taj of India Restaurant on (14062 Burbank blvd, Van Nuys CA 91401 at 7:00PM.

 I must also commend the work done so by Ggwanga Mujje in Boston, NY/NJ, and Washington DC towards the Kasubi Tombs. I also thank the Ssaabasajja Kabaka’s Representatives in the USA and Canada for the work they have done and continue to do towards supporting the restoration of the Kasubi Royal Tombs. Many other community organizations and friends of Buganda in North America, and Europe that are contributing toward this cause are appreciated.

 As we have done since I returned to the U.S. by going to Fresno, Atlanta and Dallas we will be visiting several cities and states mobilizing, sensitizing and coordinating with friends of Buganda about this noble cause. Over the next weeks and months we will take our work to several different communities, organizations and businesses in North America articulating Buganda Kingdom issues to ensure that we raise funds for the Restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs and we hope that many of you will join with us. Vides of what happened to Kasubi Tombs will be shown.

 Our pledge that funds donated/contributed for Kasubi Royal Tombs will be used only for this purpose we will be governed by transparence, accountability and disclosure to ensure confidence and trust.  At this time, I call upon all Baganda and friends of Buganda in the Diaspora to unite and support us during this very difficult time in our Kingdom’s history. My thanks go to Mr. Sam Kiggwe of Atlanta (Georgia) and Dr. Abu Senkayi of Dallas(Texas) both Ssaabasajja Kabaka’s representative in the respective cities for the warm hospitality and accommodation accorded to me during my visit

 Awangaale Ssaabasajja Kabaka Magulu Nnyondo WA Buganda.

 Promotion to the rank of Captain in the United States Army

 Ladies and gentlemen, once again I must thank you for the prayers and support for this achievement. My appreciation goes to my fellow soldiers at the Support Operations (SPO) and the entire 311^th Expeditionary Sustainment Command; to the members of the Ugandan Community in Los Angeles who were able to attend the promotion ceremony. Special thanks to Colonel Steven Hartman my former boss who spared time to come and decorate me with the new rank. I must thank management of the Crested Journal Publications for their attendance as well as the Mr. John Nsimbe the photographer. Thank you for your prayer and support.

 In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I must say that you have proved beyond doubts that community service is indeed a must. The show of support, encouragement and advice is beyond words of expression.

 My pledge is to always serve the community as the only way I can pay you back. I must also ask you to pray for Buganda and Uganda.

 Again, thank you for your support and May God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Frank Musisi

A source close to the nine Kabaka’s representatives has sent to us a copy of the letter where Katikkiro JB Walusimbi appointed United States Army soldier, Capt. Frank Musisi to the post of “Special Mobiliser/Coordinator in USA for the Restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs”. Until September 3-6, 2010, Capt. Musisi was the President of UNAA, which was supposed to be an organization of Ugandans in North America. Capt. Musisi was president of UNAA until this last year. For several years, including during Musisi’s administration, UNAA has been funded by the NRM government. It is through this dubious connection between NRM and UNAA that the Uganda government reportedly manipulated the vote and caused Capt. Musisi to lose the last presidential elections.

The source who provided Cpt. Musisi’s appointment letter to us claimed that some of Kabaka’s representatives were disappointed that Musisi, who discovered Buganda causes after losing the UNAA elections was appointed such an important position. The source’s email says: “It seems that Mmengo makes decisions as if every Muganda thinks at the Kampala level. They were impressed by Musisi because he is a friendly guy but did they care how Kabaka’s representatives and the ordinary Baganda will feel? Did they even question the seriousness of his claims that he can collect a million dollars in months? From who?”

The Katikkiro’s addressed his letter the Kabaka’s representatives in North America, probably thinking that they will share it with the Baganda in their areas. However, it appears that the representatives decided to treat it as a “top secret” and have not told the Baganda in their areas.

The Katikkiro’s appointment letter kills the fake stories that have been planted by unknown people in the Monitor newspaper (on April 10, 2010) and on Internet radio stations claiming that Ssabasajja Kabaka, Muwenda Mutebi II appointed Capt. Musisi to lead the Kasubi fund raising in North America. One can assume however that, since Kabaka Mutebi was copied on the appointment letter, he is may be aware of what happened.

 The Katikkiro’s appointment letter, which was signed by Deputy Katikkiro Sendaula, is reproduced below for our readers:

 6^th April 2010

Eri Ababaka ba Ssaabasajja Kabaka
Mu Masaza g’America

Abakungu,

OKULONDEBWA KWA LT. FRANK MUSISI

Ebbaluwa yammwe eya March 30, 2010 nagifuna era ensonga ezirimu zonna ne nzanjulira Katikkiro.

Katikkiro antumye okutuusa okulamusa kwe awamu n’okubeebaza ennyo emirimu emirungi gye mukola ku lwammwe ne ku lw’Eggwanga lyammwe Buganda.  

Ebbaluwa yammwe yatunuuliddwa era neyekkaanyizibwa ku magezi ge mwatuwadde ku nsonga zino:

1. Kaweefube w’okusonda sente z’okuzzaawo Amasiro mu muwagira era mu mukutte bulungi.
2. Mwasembye nti mu kukola omulimu gw’okusonda sente tukozese ebibiina n’abantu abamanyifu era abalina obwesigwa mu bantu era abalabiddwa ebbanga.
3. Mwawadde amagezi nti olw’obwaguuga bwa ssemazinga wa America kiyinzika okubeera ekizibu okubeera ne “Coordination Centre” emu
4. Mwalaze nti ku “East Coast” ya America waliyo ebibiina bya Ggwanga Mujje.
5. Mwasembye nti Lt. Musisi ayinza okugenda mu maaso n’omulimu gweyatandikako ku “West Coast” ya America

N’olwensonga ezo, Katikkiro asazeewo nti olw’okuba nti Ggwanga mujje asangibwa mu New York/New, Washington DC ne Boston wokka, wakyaliwo ettundutundu ddene nnyo eryetaaga okukolamu omulimu.  Bwekityo, olwensonga nti Lt. Musisi alina obusobozi okutambula America olw’emirimu gye ate nga abadde mukulembeze wa UNAA, tulowozeza nti alina obumanyifu mu bantu bangi okwetoloola America.  Mu ngeri y’emu olw’okuba nti mumusembye okukola omulimu guno mu West Coast kiraze nti mumulinamu obwesigwa.

Bwekityo, Katikkiro alonze Lt. Frank Musisi okubeera “Special Mobiliser/Coordinator in USA for the Restoration of Kasubi Royal Tombs” mu bitundu etali Ggwanga Mujje.  Lt. Musisi ajja kubeera ng’akolagana n’ababaka ba Ssaabasajja mu bitundu ebyo byonna era mulina obuvunanyizibwa okulondoola obuvunanyizibwa obumuwereddwa.

Ssaabasajja Kabaka Awangaale!

Amb. Emmanuel L. Ssendaula
1^st DEPUTY KATIKKIRO ERA MINISITA W”ENSONGA ZA BUGANDA EBWERU.

 C.c.    Ssaabasajja Kabaka
C.c.    Katikkiro
C.c.    Omuwanika
C.c.    LT. Frank Musisi

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.

USA Baganda have joined the many forces who are telling Katikkiro JB Walusimbi and other Mmengo officials to be extremely careful about the restoration of the recently burnt Kasubi Tombs. Within 36 hours after the tombs were burnt, the Katikkiro announced that a technical committee had been formed to start planning the restoration of the 130 year Kasubi Tombs. The committee members who names were released later were mostly former Mmengo officials, with no signs of new blood. Kasubi Tombs is the official cemetery for Buganda royal family members (Abalangira n’Abambejja) who descend from Ssekabaka Muteesa I. However,  the Katikkiro made his announcement without consulting this key group. As a result, Abalangira n’Abambejja were forces to release a statement expressing their concern as owners of the tombs (see “Members of Buganda Royal Family Issue Statement on Kasubi – English”).

Various 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. They  point out the original tombs were constructed by ordinary Baganda through their clans and each clan has a special task in the process. Yet Katikkiro Walusimbi and many other Mmengo officials are temporary administrators with no technical background in constructing cultural site like the Kasubi Tombs.

Abazzukulu ba Buganda also strongly question Mmengo’s qualifications to restore and ancient cultural structure like Kasubi Tombs. They point out that the Mmengo official who were selected on the restoration committee are the same individuals who have not succeeded on even smaller projects such as completing Twekobe or Bulange Plaza. They also rejected the idea of UNESCO being a key player ( see “Don’t Put Yourself At Risk When Buganda Is Angry, Katikkiro Advised“).

The Great Buganda Lukiiko that sat on March 22, 2010, did not approve Katikkiro Walusimbi’s plans either. Members only agree that the Kasubi Tombs must be repaired as soon as possible.

On Free Buganda Radio, the Ekiba Kibe program of March 25, 2010 Mr. Robert Kabuye and his guest, Mr. Mayanja, also advised Mmengo to leave the repair of Kasubi Tombs to those who are traditionally responsible for the job. They also warn the Katikkiro and his cabinet to take leadership from the clan leaders (Abataka) and others who have an official role in Buganda culture.

Click on Ekiba_Kibe25Mar10A to listen to the Ekiba Kibe prpgram of March 25, 2010.

Thousands of Baganda responded to Mmengo’s call to mourn starting late last week. Mostly strating around Monday they have been wearing tee shirts with “Gutusinze Ssabasajja (“We apologize Ssabasajja”) slogans. Tis is the way to tell the Kabaka that we Baganda are embarrassed that some envious and hateful people set fire on Kasubi and we werer unable to prevent it. Others have dressed in black and put on arm bands that are either black or bark cloth (lubugo) or a combination of the two. By Thursday, some men in Makerere University, Nakulabye and other Kampala surburbs were walking around in kanzus with bark cloth wraps (bimyu) walking around or showing off.

The women, especially the younger ones, have used the mourning period to make a fashion statement. Hundreds have been driving around in mourning tee shirts won in various styles. And many others have incorporated strings or bands of bark cloth in their hair styles. A few even used cowry shells (ensimbi enganda) to make beads  or other articles that represent the time of mourning.

On Thursday night the atmosphere in Kampala was calm but tense. Sources have told this reporter that the NRM government appears not to be sure of what to expect at the Friday prayers , which will conclude the official mourning period that was announced by Mmengo. However, the evidence on the ground is that tens of thousands of Baganda from all corners of the kingdom will come to join their beloved Kabaka at Kasubi today. Buganda analysts agree that huge crowds of Baganda expected at Kasubi will show the NRM occupation government and other enemies that the nation of Buganda is stronger than ever even under occupation.

According to Buganda government sources, Kabaka’s royal guards (Abambowa) will handle security inside the tombs perimeter and the NRM occupation police force will be on the outside. However, sources in Nakulabye told this writer that the NRM occupation government has deployed hundreds of plain clothes militias to mingle with the crowds, in the hope of finding out  if there is some type of command structure among the growing number of Baganda nationalists.

The sorrowful ecumenical services  are expected to start at 10:00 AM after the arrival of the Lion of Buganda KIngdom, Ssabasajja Kabaka, Muwenda Mutebi II.

The official programme of events released by Mmengo is shown below:

KASUBI PROGRAMME

Gates will be opened by 8:00 am with the arrival of the members of the organizing committee. All those people who will participate in the historical ecumenical service will be subjected to thorough security checked up to avoid any security mishap.

9:00 am          :    Mourners arrive at Kasubi

9:30               :    Invited guests arrive at the tombs.

9:45               :    Katikkiro Arrives

10:00             :    Ssaabasajja Kabaka arrives for the ecumenical service.

10.10             :    Ekitiibwa kya Buganda

10:10             :    The National Anthem

10.25             :    An opening prayer by Bishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga

10.40             :    Metropolitan Yonah Lwanga –Orthodox

10.55             :    Rt. Rev. Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira

11.15             :    Bishop Kajja SDA Church Kireka

11.45             :    Pastor Alex Mitala Pentecostal Church

12.00             :    Supreme Sheik Zubair Sowedi Kayongo

Speeches

12.15            :    Naalinya w’Amasiro e Kasubi

12.20            :    Omukubiriza w’Olukiiko lw’Abataka

12.30            :    Chairman organizing committee

-    Katikkiro

-    Ekitiibwa kya Buganda