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

Comments by Dr G.H.Kkolokolo (Paris / France) on the Buganda Post story “Kasubi Fire Requires Independent Investigation, Archbishop Kizito Lwanga“.

I very warmly thank His Grace Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga for his very courageous stand on Buganda as evidenced in his very wonderful Easter message, his position on Kasubi Royal Tombs, and recently his very wonderful sermon at Lubaga Cathedral on Easter Sunday. Indeed the extra-brave Lwanga, well in the very eminent footsteps of his three very prestigious predecessors: Kiwanuka and Nsubuga, Wamala, has continued to portray his exemplary attitude as a prominent citizen and as a very responsible Metropolitan Archbishop of an Archdiocese in a place where culture and politics and religion are not only centre stage but also equally an interplay traditionally entrenched in the life and the history of the Archdiocese.

For the destruction of Kasubi Lwanga, just like Wamala did a few years back where there was a seeming profanation at the Tombs, is right to come out with his proposal for an independent thorough investigation into the arson. The featuring of a mental case called Joseph Musoke as being the culprit is shallow and hollow! Nobody in Uganda and in the rest of the world, where results and findings of a respected bona fide inquiry are eagerly waited, will accept such a loose nonsense! This Kasubi thing is universal and it must be taken very seriously! One may lie at home but he won’t lie abroad where the international media and top figure institutions are also slowly mounting their research into the silly fires.

Mengo’s proposal for a commission of inquiry has been very warmly welcome and will naturally be supported both locally and internationally! And how gratifying to see that they are thinking of a universally respected person like His Eminence Cardinal E. Wamala to head the Kasubi inquest! Where Wamala is, there is always truth, justice, serious-mindedness, common sense and extra lofty wisdom and maturity. A commission headed by such a person will do a very commendable work that will impress the whole world and its findings will not be scape-goated conclusions.

Let Uganda profit from this unfortunate Kasubi event to have a new realism on several other near related issues the Archbishop has regularly dwelt on in his sermons and other teachings. For example he has always given due respect to debate on federalism, human rights, respect to Baganda, etc. Indeed, there need be a federal constitution for the country as a matter of ensuring natural identity of citizens, development at regional level, more respect of individual citizens, etc. The Archbishop is already top grade on this question since even the respected leaders of many political parties have already cemented it in their elaborated election manifestos. And, fortunately to the Archbishop’s broad vision, three of these party leaders are non Baganda who enjoy a very special international prestige on the world political stage! A federated Uganda will be a very strong country and will be an asset to the future East African Community. Europe, for example, will one day be one independent sovereign nation but that won’t prevent a place like France to be part of the entity, joining in as France with its confederations like the Principality of Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, the Territory of Belforth, etc..each one continuing to enjoy its identity and other privileges as enshrined in the French republican constitution.

Any future regional union will embrace Uganda as a federated country that will bring in vigor, dynamism and political maturity! The departing British left Uganda with a note sounding loudly in their mind, that of a politically well settled Buganda enjoying full federal status with the Kabaka as full head of state of Buganda whose dignity wouldn’t be politically superseded by anybody. In this they wanted to conclude acts of invitation to missionaries and other developers sent thru Queen Victoria. And that’s probably why in 1962 there was a Buganda Independence Day on Oct 8, before the national one the following day. This was to politically solidify the position of Buganda and of the Kabaka in independent Uganda. And it had to be like this! And the Archbishop was right to call for a dialogue between Mengo and the Central Government to fully and duly re-examine this Buganda question which is very crucial to Uganda’s political life.

Federalism as studied and agreed on with fellow Ugandans will not be synonymous with tribalism. It will be a policy of nationalism respectful of all individuals’ rights and duties as equal citizens of Uganda. Those who blindly criticize Lwanga on this point, are a bit sleepy! What will they say on his strong stand against human rights abuses and the lack of respect to human life as embodied in our national constitution? The other time 30 people in just a mere 3 days lost their life in Kampala alone! Can’t our security forces take a leaf from their French colleagues who in 2005 were called in to quell incendiary riots mounted by groups of Arab youths all over the country and finished their exercise with a very commendable balance-sheet: just one casualty, an Arab boy shot in the leg by a stray bullet! And the authorities had even to set up a commission of inquiry to find the soldier who fired that bullet! When you are a soldier with a gun, think of one’s life first!

And now Ugandan prisons are still packed with those September youths! And soon, you never know, as election fever draws in, many DPs, UPCs, FDCs,etc will be keyed in Luzira (for the good of the country!) Anyway, in any case there is now resolve to see a free and fair election in Uganda.

Thank you Dr Lwanga. And thank you for having accepted to preside over prayers at the Royal Tombs! Any very thoughtful religious leader should have done this in order to show sympathy to the Kabaka, to the Baganda, to Ugandans, and to the international community who in that Mausoleum saw the exact spot where official royal missives were commissioned to ask for missionaries, educators, modern developers, etc. It wasn’t the first time prayers were conducted at Kasubi Tombs. I remember one day a Mass was celebrated in the vast compound during the funeral of a notable Catholic prince. It was encouraging to notice the presence of religious leaders from the Catholic church, the Anglican Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Muslim Community! These four religious groups have always been connected to Buganda and its history, and also to the Kabaka since time immemorial! Their presence at Kasubi was therefore very much appreciated by all! Thank you, our religious leaders for not failing us at this dead hour!

Thank you Dr Lwanga for all your courage during this midnight period in our nation’s history.

Long live Your Most Royal Majesty the Kabaka!

Wangaala Ssebo Kitaffe Ssabasajja Kabaka Ekitangaala Ekimulisa Enjuba! Ssentasoboka wa Bannantasoboka!

Nnyaffe Nnabagereka, gerekera bulungi Obuganda nga Katonda akubeesa mu buli kizibu kyonna ky’ogabana ne Magulunnyondo oyo!

Dr G.H.Kkolokolo (Paris / France)

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.”

In his 2010 Easter message, Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Kampala Archdiocese has called for an objective and independent inquiry into the burning Buganda’s revered Kasubi Tombs on 3/16.  The leader of the Catholic Church in Buganda said that certain unnamed members of the NRM government of sowing seeds of hatred against Baganda. He condemned the culture of corruption and lies that has taken root during the NRM era, where political and religious leaders are liars, traders are cheats, doctors under-treat patients and teachers mislead students.

Archbishop Lwanga demanded that the truth must be told about important questions like the burning of Kasubi Tombs and Buganda’s quest for self-determination. And he called on the British government to become part of the solution:  “If we are to solve some of the burning questions like the Federo  issue, the British Government should assist us in explaining to the people of Uganda what they meant by giving Independence to Buganda on 8 October 1962 and also giving Uganda independence but also including Buganda on 9 October 1962.”

Dr. Lwanga, who is a Muganda, of Mmamba clan, questioned the importance that the police is putting on of claims by a mental patient called Joseph Musoke that he started the fire at Kasubi. He said an independent inquiry should question NRM government officials, Buganda government officials and even members of its royal family. He wants everyone who appears to be anti-Kabaka and anti-Buganda to be questioned, which includes political parties and security personnel.

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.

Subject: PRAYER SERVICE FOR BUGANDA KINGDOM 3/27/2010 – Details

Bazukkulu ba Kintu n’Emikwano gyaffe:

Nga tuli mu kukungubaga okwatandikiirawo okuva olunaku amasiro g’Obwakabaka bwa Buganda bwe gayokebwa; nga era tunateera okukomekkereza okungubaga okutongole , tutegese wo okusaba okwenjawulo, okusabira Obuganda, Amasiro gaffe nabo abatibwa nabatuukibwako ebisago e Kasubi .

Tujja kusabira ku  Trinity Episcopal Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540, nga March 27, 2010 okutandiika ku ssawa munana n’ekitundu ez’olw’egulo – (2:30PM)

Tusaba buli afunye obubaka buno abusasanye mu mikwano gyaffe era abulire bannaffe abalala bonna.

The Prayer service for Buganda Kingdom, Kasubi tombs and for those who lost their lives will be held on March 27, 2010 at 2:30PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Please spread the news.

Contacts:

Wycliffe Lule-Musoke                                                      908-591-9965

Patrick Mwerinde                                                             302-562-7387

Rev. Benjamin Lubega Musoke                                     609-443-5247

Jackie Mirembe                                                               908-296-8540

Sula Bunkeddeko                                                            917-846-0922

Awangaale Ssabasajja Kabaka!

________________________________________

Sent by Ssabasajja Kabaka Representative Information Office

New York , New Jersey , Delaware

In a statement issued after their meeting of March 20, 2010, members of Abazzukulu ba Buganda warn that leaving Buganda in Uganda is courting disaster for the kingdom. They explain that when Kasubi was burned Buganda  paid  a similar price to that in 1996. However, in the future, Buganda may pay an even much higher price.

Abazukkulu revealed that in the recent past they hard to fight tooth and nail to stop certain Buganda government official in Bulange who wanted to remove the thatching on the recently burnt Kasubi tombs and replace them with iron sheets. According to the statement, the Buganda officials did not stop until they has replaced some of thatching on the small buildings around the tombs with metal sheets. Only Muzi Azaala Mpanga managed to escape without being disturbed.

Abazzukulu are concerned that now that Muzibu Azaala Mpanga has been burnt down those who wanted to destroy the ancient and world admired Buganda architecture with a metal roof. They claim that the Katikkiro intentionally announced that official mounring would start a week after the fire, in order to weaken the patriotism and energy of Baganda.

Members of Abazzukulu argue that it is common sense that the unique thatching techniques used by Baganda at Kasubi give the place a special stature and is the main reason it is internationally known.  They then appeal to all the people of Buganda to fight the following:

1. Using metal roofs on the Kasubi tombs and surrounding cultural buildings
2. Putting foreigners like UNESCO in charge of the repairs and caretaking. Buganda must know that this is part of the conspiracy to detroy all symbols of an independent kingdom of Buganda.
3. Using even one inch of the Kasubi tombs land for any other unrelated purpose. Because that land is only 76 acres and we Baganda believe that out kingdom shall exist until God ends this earth. We are concerned that in future the land might not be enough.

Below is the full Luganda statement which was signed by the chairman of Abazzuklul ba Buganda, M. Jjunju – Kamulali:

OLUKIIKO LW’ABAZZUKULU BA BUGANDA

20. 03.2010

AKABENJE MU KABENJE K’AMASIRO E KASUBI

Tekikyaliko kubuusasbuusa nti Buganda okugireka mu Uganda, tulina okukisasulira omuwendo munene nyo nyo nga bwetwakisasulira mu 1966 na guno bwetukisasulidde mu Masiro ekasubi. Kiyinzika n’okuba nti bwetutaliva mu Uganda lumu tugenda kukisasulira ekisingawo.

Nga tuli mu maziga n’ekyobeero ky’e Kasubi nga tusala entotto ku ky’okuzzaawo Kasubi ng’entunnunsi y’obuwangwa bwaffe, ate wasituseewo olutalo olulala wakati wa Bulange n’Obuganda bwonna. Gyebuvddeko abazzukulu baalwanyisa Bulange effungamyeemu abalembewazi nga baagala amasiro gonna bagagyeko essubi bateekeko ebibaati. Olutalo lwagenda okukkakkana ng’Enyumba ensitaamirizi bazitaddeko ebibaati. Muzibu-azaalampanga n’asigalawo nga yeesumaalise.

Kati ekyagudde ku Muzibu azaala mpanga Bulange kigiwadde omukisa okuttukiza obutaliimu bwayo obw’okugiteekako ebibaati. Owek Katikkiro ky’asookeddeko kw’ekumalamu Obuganda amaanyi n’obujjumbize bwe yalangiridde okukungubaga kutandike kumpi luvanyuma lwa ssabiiti namba.

Era alangiridde ng’ayimiriza Obuganda obuli mu kaweefube w’okuleeta ebizimbisibwa nti bugira buleka mbu enteekteka zimale okukolebwa. Kino kitegeeza nti, ayagala atandike obutaliimubwe obwebibaati n’ebirala ng’Obuganda bubivuddeko era nga tebukyaaliwo.

Omuntu yenna ali mu kutegeerakwe okutuufu akiraba bulabi nti ekitiibwa ky’amasiro e Kasubi kiva ku ssubi eryo lyenyini era lyelisomboola abantu bonna okujja okuliraba. N’olwekyo Obuganda bwonna tubukubira omulanga bulwanyisize ddala:

1. Eky’okuteeka ebibaati ku Muzibu-azaalampanga wamu n’Enyumba ensitaamirizi
2. Eky’okukwaasa abagwiira nga UNESCO amasiro okugaddaabiriza n’okugalabirira ng’obuganda tebunasaanawo. Obuganda basaanidde okumanya nti  luno lwe lukwe olwasalibwa okuzikiriza buli kabonero konna akayinza okulaga nti waali wabaddewo ko Obwakabaka bwa Buganda obwefuga
3. Eky’okukozesa ettaka ly’Amasiro, wadde inch emu ku Kintu ekirala kyonna ekitakwatagana nakyaliteekesaawo. Newankubade ettaka eryo ziri Accres 76 zokka, Abaganda tukimanyi era tukikkiriza nti Obwakabaka bwaffe bwakubeerawo okutuusa Katonda lwalizingako ensi eno. Tuli na beeraliikirivu nti gyebujja terijja kumala Masiro ago.

Wangaala Buganda

Awangaale Ssabasajja Kabaka

M. Jjunju – Kamulali

(Sentebe)

Below is the the Luganda statement that the Katikkiro of Buganda, Eng. JB Walusimbi, issued on the burning of Buganda’s sacred Kasubi Tombs. The main highlights of the statement are as follows;

• Katikkiro sends condolences to Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, ba Nnaalinnya, Abalangira n’Abambejja, and the whole of Buganda.
• The Ekibira section, the the remains of the former kings (Ssekabaka) are located suffered serious but limited damage.
• The Buganda kingdom will officially mourn for the loss of Kasubi for one week, starting on March 22, 2010.
• A committee of Buganda officials has already been formed to start investigating what materials and budget would be required to rebuild 130 year old highly unique structure.
• A special session of the Buganda Great Lukiiko has been called to discuss the grave situation on March 22, 2010.

The full text in Luganda is shown below;

March, 17, 2009

EKIWANDIIKO KYA KATIKKIRO KU KW’OKEBWA KWA MASIRO GE KASUBI

Owek. Katikkiro wa Buganda ne nnaku nyingi ategeza Obuganda n’abantu bonna aba Uganda nti enyumba enkulu Muzibuazaalampanga, omwagalamizibwa ba Ssekabaka ba Buganda bana, mu Masiro e Kasubi, abantu abettima abatannamanyibwa baagiteekedde omuliro n’ebengeya mu kiro eky’akeesezza olunaku Lwokusatu nga 16, March 2010.

Katikkiro asaasidde nnyo nnyo Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, ba Nnaalinnya, Abalangira n’abambejja n’Obuganda bwonna. Gutusinze mukama waffe.

Ekibira ba Ssekabaka gyebaagalamizibwa abaddukirize baakoze buli ekisoboka okutaakiriza yo ne watayonooneka nnyo. Olubiri luno olwakubibwa Ssekabaka Muteesa 1 emyaka egisoba mu 130 gwe mutima gwa Buganda.

Obuganda buli mu biwoobe era tutandiise okukungubaga. Okukungubaga okutongole kujja kutandika ku Lwokusooka nga 22 March era kujja kumalira ddala sabbiiti nnamba okutuuka nga 26 March 2010. Emikolo girikomekkerezebwa mu Masiro e Kasubi.

Akakiiko ka baminisita kateekeddwawo okukola enteekateeka y’okukungubaga eye sabbiiti ennamba, era kajja kutegeeza Obuganda enteekateeka nga bwe zinatambula.

Olukiiko lwa Buganda Olukulu luyitiddwa bukubirire ku Lwokusooka nga 22 March, 2010 ku ssaawa 4.00 ez’enkya tusobole okuteesa ku nsonga eno enkulu.

Watekeddwawo akakiiko kabakugu akagenda okwekenneenya ebyetaagisa (materials) n’ensimbi ezeetaagisa okuzzaawo Amasiro.

Obuganda butegeezebwa nti Obwakabaka busazeewo okuzzaawo Amasiro ga ba Ssekabaka gano, ng’akabonero k’omwoyo gwa Buganda ogutafa, ogutatya era ogutaggwawo.

Ssaabasajja Kabaka Awangaale!

Eng. J.B. Walusimbi

KATIKKIRO