When Museveni interrupted his tour of Buganda to go to Egypt he was extremely frustrated by the relatively small crowds and unfriendly questions from Baganda peasants about CBS FM Radio. The trip had been promoted as a “Bonna Bagagawale” (”prosperity for all”) tour, in the expecting that impoverished Baganda peasants were only interested in money.

The first sign that Museveni’s tour was in trouble were the relatively small crowds he got in most places in Kyaggwe and Kooki (see “Museveni’s State House Bars Pictures From His Buganda Tour As Crowds Dwindle“). They only showed one “cooked” image at a sports field next to a school, where the RDC had commandeered children from several schools in the area, to create a “crowd”. Our on the ground source tell us, however, that Mr. Museveni was most frustrated by what he calls “disrespectful peasants” who ignore his speeches and keep asking him to explain why he closed CBS Radio. Yet others ask him why he stops Kabaka from travelling freely.

The source told us that by the time Museveni returned to state house to prepare for the Egypt trip, he was so fed up and angry that everyone thinks that he might abandon the Buganda trip. Quote: “Baganda peasants had gotten to his nerves with their questions about CBS Radio, Kabaka and, even Betty Nambooze. He was so angry that you can expect him to get even harder on the issue of reopening CBS Radio.”

According to the source, chances are quite high that Museveni will use the Egypt trip and a diversion so he can abandon his Buganda tour and avoid further embarrassment by poor peasants. Adding: “I think president Museveni is especially concerned about the possibility of Kabaka Mutebi going somewhere and getting his now standard mammoth crowds, on the same day when he (Museveni) is getting harassed by Baganda peasants.”

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

L-R: Dr Steven Lwetutte (Amnesty International officer on matters concerning with Eastern Europe), Downing Street, Lawrence Muyimba (Treasurer Buganda Centre), Chairman Buganda Centre Deo Kiggundu Malagala and Harriet Senyonjo dilivering a petition to British Prime Minister’s Office, No 10 Downing Street last month.

LONDON: As pressure mounts and more petitions continue, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the first time has come out to speak about the September 11, massacre of 30 unarmed civilians and continue incarceration of over 800 people in the capital Kampala. “The UK government is deeply concerned about the recent rioting in Kampala,” reads  in part an October 23, letter, to expatriate Ugandans who last month petitioned the UK government and the International Community demanding that Uganda’s foreign backers to withdraw their support to dictator Yoweri Museveni’s regime after the September massacre of innocent civilians.

Judith Mann from Great Lakes Section on behalf of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), wrote: “With our EU partners, we have raised our concerns about the use of excessive force by the police and defence during the riots with the government of Uganda and we have encouraged them to instigate an independent investigation into the riots.” This followed the increase petitions and lobbying by several groups of Ugandans abroad. Since the September, Kampala, streets carnage three groups most of them potential voters in the UK polls, have petitioned British Prime Minister’s No. 10 Downing Street. Whilst, others have prepared several dossiers to the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the European Union.

Although, the Ugandan President Museveni in his speech to the Parliament just after the riot, he justified his forces’ action as they handled the rioters. It has now emerged Uganda Government’s narrative of the events to the International Community is different. Museveni, in his televised directive was “Shoot and Kill’ order when the riot broke out on September 10, as Military Police and other armed security operatives blocked Prime Minister who was preparing His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s visit to Kayunga an area  in Buganda Kingdom.  However, it has now been understood that when asked to account for the deaths and random arrests, the Uganda government’s message to the FCO is like chalk and cheese.

“The Ugandan authorities have told us that this will be investigated and that where appropriate, individuals will be held to account,” reads a FCO communiqué, contradicting, Museveni’s speech in which he labelled the protestors  as ‘shadowy subversive activities’ against his regime and  ‘hooligans’ whose purpose was meant to loot and destroy properties. During the September 11, riot, allegations of a foreign country, in this regard suspected to be Libya, had allegedly channelled huge amount of money to Buganda Kingdom to fund anti-NRM activities. The kingdom has vehemently denied such allegations, calling it playing dirt politics by Museveni’s regime to divert attention from  legitimate demands and possibly to persecute official from Mengo establishment.
The current-day Uganda acquires its name from the ancient Kingdom of Buganda, a hereditary monarchy that once covered the southern part the country including the capital Kampala. His Majesty Mutebi II, the custodian of the Kingdom has unsolved issues with the central government which include; the return of 9000sqmile of land, its County headquarters and a demand for Federal system of governance that can check corruption. In addition to now the formerly cherished CBS FM radio station which was closed during the recent riot.

In a separate communiqué to this reporter, another officer Ms Stephanie Sandison, said that the General Affairs External Relations Council of the European Union express its concern over the September’s riots in Kampala, arguing the Ugandan Government to resolve any political disputes through peaceful dialogue and democratic  institutions. That,  the Council also urges the Government to do its utmost to assure that there will be a level playing field in the run up to the general elections of 2011 and that these elections will be free, fair and transparent. Ms Sandison said; “This has been agreed jointly by all EU Member States, including the UK.  A full copy of the text can be found at: tttp://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/110787.pdf.”

“We continue to monitor the political situation in Uganda closely and regularly discuss human rights issues with the Uganda Government,” said officer Ms Sandison from the Great Lake Region when reacting to question why the British Government unfailingly continues to cosset the tyrannical regime given the well documented human rights abuses. Reacting to a demand made in several petitions by expatriate Ugandans to have the September protesters released, Ms Sandison, said: “We continue to push for further action on human rights issues such as media freedom, illegal detention and politically motivated harassment.”
“The UK Government remains determined to bring stability to the region and will continue to work with the international community and partners in the region to bring this about,” says Ms Sandison.

Not used to public debates, fearing and well aware of the power of the media, President Museveni, justified CBS FM closure, when he claimed that it was inciting violence. Then the government accused CBS and other stations of inflaming violence that erupted in the entire region.

Meanwhile Ugandans in Diaspora joined the 120 country groups to continue lobby the UK Government and EU donors to scrutinise the Uganda Government in to protect their interests. In the last month, Ugandans from different organisations abroad have approached potential lobbyists over the current situation in Uganda.

“A total of 30 innocent civilians were brutally murdered by Museveni’s security forces last month and about 1000 people are still incarcerated in secret places, so, it’s our duty to check this situation,” said a member who attended a meeting with top UK Bishop and a member of House of Lords. The deputation, who has so far secured an informal approach with some UK MPs and members of House of Lords, is lobbying to give accurate and truthful information to the Commons about Uganda.

“We want to inform the legislators here that, the government’s continue backing of Museveni, is putting the British interests in Uganda at risk,” a member who attended an hour meeting at one of the Cathedral on October 19, told this reporter. Exclusively, this reporter has learnt that with the group has also prepared a similar dossier to be circulated to the European Parliament in Brussels-Belgium. A source said: “We are not going to use any form of force, but our brains and the power of the pen. That is why many politicians and Uganda’s foreign backers have welcomed this kind of approach. Let Museveni spend millions of dollars to decorate his corrupt regime, we are encountering his lies by delivering factual evidences,” said a source.

J. Kitandwe
Kabaka’a Territories

The Boston [Buganda Emergency Meeting] Resolutions number 3,8 and 10 prove that Buganda’s greatest problem is we the Baganda ourselves. Up to now we have failed to understand our problem? It is deceptive for any patriotic Muganda or genuine Buganda well wisher to still prescribe federalism, free and fair elections, democracy, and mobilization of other ethnic communities as way forward for Buganda as envisaged in the Boston resolutions 3,8, and 10 (see “Resolutions of the Buganda Emergency Meeting in Boston on October 17, 2009“). The authors of the Boston resolutions should retreat and carefully study the Buganda problem right from the 1950s up to now 2009 and see whether their resolution score any goals for Buganda.

The truth is that Democracy’s free and fair elections wont solve our problem. There is overwhelming evidence that any thing that affects or pains Buganda automatically brings joy/ happiness to the rest of Uganda. Whoever inflicts pain on Buganda automatically gets the backing of the rest parts of Uganda. So what do you [expect] in terms of votes! Definitely the candidate who displays most anti- Bugandaism will get more votes because nothing really unites Ugandans more than their common hate for Buganda.

Buganda struggled and earned full federal in 1962 protected by the 1962 constitution. How did it help us? For how long did it last? How was it lost? What has changed now?

It is laziness to demand for federal now. Self-determination is our right. We have a right to exist the way we prefer. Lets focus on Buganda’s independence. We can re-unite with other Uganda if we find it necessary but on our own terms.          

A source close to Eng. JB Walusimbi has told us that the 65 year Katikkiro of Buganda has is losing interest in position and could be looking for ways get out of the 4-year contract with the kingdom. The source, who is a member of the Katikkiro’s Magunda sub clan (ssiga) of the Ffumbe (civet cat) clan, said: “Since even before the Kayunga riots, Engineer Walusimbi has been facing pressures to leave the office from all sides, even our clan elders, or show more that he is loyal to the Kabaka. Even we his own brothers and sisters have been pressuring him in our own ways because he is shaming our whole clan. By the way, when he was appointed Katikkiro, many of us who are insiders tried to oppose because we knew his background but we were not properly consulted.”

Our source told us that since the Kayunga riots, it appears that Engineer JB Walusimbi has been rethinking his part time job as Katikkiro. She says: “First,  it looks like JB realized during the riots that Baganda youth might one of these days kill him or some of his 6 children because of the image that he is on Museveni’s side. As a person, he wants to be Katikkiro but it is impossible for him when he is much closer  to Gilbert Bukenya and Museveni than he is to Kabaka Mutebi. And the way that Baganda youths are attacking him, is giving him high blood pressure. That is why he is really losing interest, because no one trusts him. Not even most of us members of his Magunda ssiga.”

Many Baganda were incensed with the statement that Katikkiro Walusimbi issued after the “gun on your head” Kabaka Mutebi was forced to have with Uganda warlord, Yoweri Museveni on September 30, 2009 (see “Katikkiro JB Walusimbi Praises Gunpoint Meeting Between Kabaka and Museveni“).  Since then, Katikkiro Walusimbi, has all but abandoned making pro-Buganda public statements or associating himself with the hundreds of Baganda who were murdered or continue to be arrested and tortured by the NRM government. The Katikkiro is even low key on the arrests and continuing harassment of Kabaka’s officials by Museveni’s security forces. He reportedly avoided assisting Kabaka’s official ,Betty Nambooze, with her medical problems, for fear of annoying Museveni who hates her.  According to local press reports, Kabaka Mutebi was forced to personally get involved in Nambooze’s case, working through other obedient ministers to provide her with much needed medical care.

If it is true that Engineer Walusimbi is losing interest his position as Katikkiro, there is evidence that he could be developing a new interest. Over the last two weeks, Katikkiro Walusimbi’s high profile engagements were closing the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) trade show and presiding over the Rotary Club announcement of free medical operations program for the poor. At the UMA event, Owek. Walusimbi surprised many in the audience when he promised that Buganda would never reclaim the 9,000 square miles from its illegal occupiers but only partner with them to generate income from the land. The subject of how the 9,000 miles would be administered has never been discussed by the Buganda Lukiiko. Many of Engineer Walusimbi’s critics are also upset that this “Kabaka ow’ebweeru” was giving attention to Rotary Club medical operations instead of putting priority on getting Betty Nambooze the urgent surgery she needs.

Reliable sources in both Mmengo and the NRM occupation government have confirmed to us that the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, will meet Uganda warlord, Yoweri Museveni, on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. A senior Buganda official assured us that the Kabaka did not agree to see Museveni as such but simply responded to the reality that a mentally unstable man is pointing a gun at his head.  The official who contacted us by email said: “We had reliable information that Museveni has a real mental condition. Yes, he is a coward and a bully but he is also a very scared, mentally disturbed and paranoid man. It appears that the Kabaka might have decided to meet the Uganda warlord based on concerns about a public secret that Museveni intended to keep arresting Mmengo popular personalities, including   Kabaka Mutebi himself, to force new riots where he could give Baganda a genocidal blow. Put simply, Museveni has forced to talk to him at gunpoint. ”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the angry Buganda Government official told us that certain people who are cowards or stand to gain financially have been putting pressure on Kabaka to speak to Museveni.  He elaborated: “A major problem is that too much of Mmengo is run on a part-time basis by businessmen, including some who make millions per month for being associated with the Buganda government. As it was in the 1900 agreement, the most vocal of these people advise the Kabaka based on their own needs. And even now, the loudest voices put Buganda and Kabaka second.  I won’t name names yet, but some of the, so called senior Baganda leaders  persistently invite Museveni’s Gilbert Bukenya to come and spy and Kabaka Mutebi, even when they know that he supports the abolishment of kingdoms.”

Our source close to Museveni’s state house has separately confirmed  to us that they expect Kabaka Mutebi to come with, “whatever is remaining of his officials”. According to the source, Museveni is by that by forcing Mutebi to come to Entebbe against his achieves a few important things: (a) Erase the image that Kabaka is stronger than Museveni and demoralize Baganda youth, who remain the toughest problem for Museveni; (b) Isolate Kabaka Mutebi, weaken the radical Mmengo wing and strengthen the NRM elements in Mmengo. Our source also warns that there is little chance of CBS FM Radio, one the items the Mmengo ‘businessmen’ want discussed, will actually happen. The source says, “If Museveni allows CBS to reopen, his conditions will be so tough that it will become a mere shell of the original ‘Radio ya Ssabasajja’ jewel.”

Shortly after Museveni’s New Vision newspaper announced the Wednesday meeting on Monday, a leading Buganda analyst, in New York,  sent us email to warn Baganda against getting too excited if the meeting takes place at all. He wrote: “Even if it turns out that the New Vision report is true and Kabaka Mutebi will meet Museveni, smart Baganda will see it for the farce what it is. By forcing Kabaka Mutebi to meet him against his will Museveni has created a classic occupation similar to the German occupation of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1940.  The only big difference is that Germany has a strong organized military and government, while Museveni’s are falling apart. Interestingly, as is the case in Buganda today , top Danish government officials and religious leaders were quick to collaborate with Nazi Germany in 1940.  At the end of the day, though, Denmark is an independent constitutional monarchy today.  We Baganda are even lucky because a few of the Mmengo officials are brave and determined to support our Kabaka. Clearly, Buganda is under armed occupation as the NY/JN chapter of Ggwaga Mujje said in their press release. Therefore, whatever agreement Kabaka is forced to sign under duress is null and void. “

Museveni’s NRM USA organization will, until it collapses, remember September 26, 2009 as a bloody day. Pressure from American Baganda forced their primary funder, Uganda’s ruler, Yoweri Museveni keep away from their 2009 NRM Forum in Boston.  The pressure came from the widely publicized plans by Baganda to demonstrate at the venue and the persistence of the same Kabaka’s subjects who came to the venue even after mixed messages about Museveni’s attendance. The Baganda came from New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Canada and elsewhere.

An estimated 200 Baganda , under the eye of the Boston Police, stood  across the street from the entrance to the Marriott Copley Place Hotel and loudly demonstrated from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  They held  up placards that, among other things,  accused Museveni of genocide, stated that Buganda is an occupied country and demanded the release of Baganda political prisoners. Throughout the over 5 hours of demonstration, Baganda kept singing “Kitiibwa kya Buganda”, praising Kabaka Mutebi and chanting slogans like “Akaalo ka Buganda keeko, akalo kaliko nannyiniko”, “Tulina Kabaka, tulina ennyondo”, “We want change, Museveni must go!” and so on. Curious car drivers kept honking and showing ‘V” signs, which kept the demonstrators energized.

Our contact within  NRM USA admitted that the Baganda demonstration caused the NRM Forum to flop but would not comment of where Museveni was hiding.  Speaking on condition anonymity the source told us that between 25 and 30 people attended the event.  And when pressed, the source admitted that this number included over 15 organizers, government officials and spouses. Interestingly, the source, who is usually very defensive of  Museveni, said “no comment” when asked if the Uganda president has been scared away by the Baganda. However, the source agreed that Buganda Post was “in the ball park” when we reported that president Museveni had decided to leave early and skip Boston, and then changed his mind. When we brought up the feet pain issues, the source only asked: “Where do you get that nonsense from?”.

A prominent Muganda analyst based in New York told us that there is no doubt in his mind that Baganda demonstrators in New York and Boston combined with the Obama snub shook up Museveni.  The analyst explained: “You have to remember that throughout the Bush years, Museveni enjoyed open access to the US State House. For some reason he has not gotten used to the idea that Bush left, so he assumed that Obama would meet him personally. Thanks to Johnny Carson’s [US Undersecretary of State for Africa] intimate knowledge of Museveni’s regime, Obama administration put together a well-planned snub, which included ensuring that Obama’s TV images showed him speaking to the Uganda’s corrupt strongman for less than 5 seconds and immediately turning his back to him.

Our analyst adds: “In meeting Moammar Gadaffi, Museveni was hoping to make America  jealous. Now, if Obama’s administration fell for I would be shocked. I understand that Museveni had some meetings with Balaalo students under the secret state house scholarship and got a briefing on the progress of a program by Ruhakana Rugunda and his wife to recruit Baganda women in the USA.  However, the only thing he seriously looked forward to was holding court at the NRM Forum in Boston. In scaring  Museveni away from Boston and sabotaging the forum, the USA Baganda exposed his cowardice. However, very much like a man who gets fired from his job and runs home beat his children, expect the sulking Museveni to return to Uganda and take his frustration on Kabaka and Baganda, to revenge the humiliation he has suffered. The interesting part is that Buganda will get even stronger as no one can claim the ‘twebaka ku tulo’ and ‘Tumukwaate mpola’ crap.”

A radical Baganda nationalist organization has warned president Museveni of Uganda about his plans to force Kabaka Mutebi of Buganda to meet him (Museveni).

According to a statement issued by Asumani Balwaana Kaama, the spokesman for Union of Councils for Gwanga Mujje, “Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the 36th Kabaka of the Buganda nation, is the symbol of our being, our culture and our pride. He is however NOT our servant or spokesperson and CANNOT negotiate anything on Obuganda’s behalf. The religious leaders who are supposed to be in the Kabaka’s entourage are also neither honorable nor competent to represent Obuganda. They are not authorized to represent or speak for Buganda’s interests at this meeting.”

The Union of Councils for Gwanga Mujje statement is reproduced below:

WARNING TO DICTATOR MUSEVENI ABOUT SSAABASAJJA
“NO ONE SPEAKS IN BUGANDA’S NAME WITHOUT THE DIRECT AUTHORITY FROM OBUGANDA”

The Union of Councils for Ggwanga Mujje would like to express and as well convey its profound and heartfelt sympathies to families that lost loved ones, Obuganda and all Ugandans during the September 09 public demonstrations in Kampala.

We acknowledge that Buganda is presently under occupation, just like Northern Uganda has been over the past 20 years. However, Dictator Museveni and his henchmen will be held personally responsible for these crimes against humanity at an appropriate time in the near future.

In a futile and cowardly show of strength, Dictator Museveni is forcing a meeting with His Majesty, Ssaabasajja the Kabaka of Buganda in an effort to claim some bizarre dark victory in the current standoff.

Dictator Museveni is praying and hoping on forcing concessions that will be of detriment to the Kingdom of Buganda from His Majesty the Kabaka.

In the absence of CBS Radio, and in an environment dominated by pro NRMO media, the Dictator wants to use the occasion of the face to face meeting to make some kind of rapprochements on dense ideas such the Regional Tier and other nonsensical projects like the Land Bill, Extension of Kampala, an Elected Katikkiro, the Creation of Saaba… this and Saaba… that, within Buganda.

Thereafter, the Dictator will want to claim that the Kabaka will work directly under his orders from now on.

Warning to the Dictator

The Union of Councils for Ggwanga Mujje would like to warn Dictator Yosweri Tibahurwa, Kayibanda Museveni, that if he goes ahead with this futile meeting, the Obuganda will not accept or be bound by whatever agreements he will come up with.

His Majesty, Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the 36th Kabaka of the Buganda nation, is the symbol of our being, our culture and our pride. He is however NOT our servant or spokesperson and CANNOT negotiate anything on Obuganda’s behalf. The religious leaders who are supposed to be in the Kabaka’s entourage are also neither honourable nor competent to represent Obuganda. They are not authorised to represent or speak for Buganda’s interests at this meeting.

Obuganda will therefore not recognise or accept whatever concoction this meeting might achieve.

Any further attempts by Dictator Museveni to compromise or denigrate Ssaabasajja Kabaka or the institution he represents will result in a quick and effective uprising never seen before in the Great Lakes region which will finally rid Uganda of a Dictator with questionable and poor breeding.

The Union of Councils for Ggwanga Mujje would like to graciously and humbly remind Ssaabasajja Kabaka Mutebi to ensure that he does NOT smile or shake hands with Dictator Museveni , or sit anywhere within 5 feet from him, EVER.

We know for a fact that Dictator Museveni‘s intention is to bewitch His Majesty, Ssaabasajja Kabaka and take his influence and powers so that he can rule Uganda forever. Dictator Museveni obtained Juju (fetishes) from Cameroon which required him to sacrifice at least 50 adolescent virgins (school fires, Buddo etc) and the final act of this ritual is a face to face meet with Ssaabasajja Kabaka and shake his hand. That is why Dictator Museveni has been so pissed off and lamenting about the Ssaabasajja not taking his calls for over two years.

If His Majesty the Kabaka decides to meet the Dictator, whatever takes place must not compromise the dignity or undermine Ssaabasajja’s authority among his subjects.

AWANGALE SSAABASAJJA

Asumani Balwaana Kaama

Union of Councils for Gwanga Mujje