The Kabaka’s Representatives in North America, on behalf of all Baganda and people of goodwill in North America, strongly condemn the senseless loss of life and destruction of property that followed the refusal of the Katikkiro, by the Uganda Government, to enter Bugerere County and participate in preparations for the Annual Youth Day (AYD) event. The AYD, which is presided over by Ssabasajja Kabaka of Buganda, is designed to rally the youth and encourage them to engage in education, social, cultural and gainful economic activities. We believe that these objectives of the AYD are in line with our country’s efforts to modernize and make sure all her people are productive in the economy. This is what Ssabasajja Kabaka is trying to do by helping to nurture the youth.

The Kabaka’s Representatives in North America strongly believe that the Kabaka’s visit to Bugerere is lawful and constitutional and the Uganda Government’s effort to block and interfere with these cultural activities is unlawful and unconstitutional. We strongly urge the Uganda Government to work with the Mengo establishment to strengthen the ties that bind the people of Buganda together. The different ethnic communities in Bugerere County, including Bakenye, Basoga, Bagishu, Baluuli, Baganda, Japadhola, Iteso, Sudanese, Kuku, etc., have lived together in harmony until the recent creation, by the Uganda Government, of the institution of the “Sabanyala”.

The Kingdom of Buganda is a peace loving kingdom that has thrived on ethnic diversity and mutual respect for all of its residents. We believe that what is good for Buganda is good for Uganda. The actions being taken by the Uganda Government could destabilize the Kingdom, undermine the authority of the Kabaka, and weaken Uganda. We, the Kabaka’s Representatives in North America, urge the Government of Uganda to stop employing tactics that divide the people of Uganda based on ethnic and other grounds. Instead, the Uganda Government should create an environment for Ugandans to exercise their right to promote practices that unite them and uphold respect for their cultures.

Wycliffe R.Lule-Musoke, Kabaka’s Representative in the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. CONTACT is lam5jc@aol.com

Fred Kalema-Musoke, Kabaka’s Representative in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. CONTACT is Fkalema-musoke@msn.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@aol.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

This writer has received a copy of a June 30, 2009 letter from the Acting President of Ggwangamujje NY/NJ, which cancelled the plans for Ttabamiruka ’09. The letter says that the current global economic situation and a need to strengthen the health of the New York Ggwangamujje Baganda organization are the main reasons for the cancellation. The same letter also announces that preparations for Ttabamiruka ’10 will start this month.

The organization’s president, Mr. Sullyman Bunkeddeko, is on some sort of leave of absence since June 14, 2009. The vice president, Mr. Charles Mukasa, is the Acting chief executive. It is not yet clear why Mr. Bunkeddeko, who led the organization during Ttabamiruka ’08, is on a leave of absence.

However, Ggwangamujje organizations in America seem to be having major problems. The Boston chapter is at a standstill because their elections were called off more than one a month ago, after they became a shouting match. Source in Mmengo and Boston tell us that the NRM is determined to take over or destroy Boston Ggwangamujje, whichever comes first. And reports from Washington DC indicate that the  chapter there has been taken over by pro-NRM elements who have publicly made it clear that their Ggwangamujje is for all Ugandans, not just Baganda (the “Ggwanga” in Ggwangamujje is Uganda).

The letter cancelling Ttabamiruka ‘09 is reproduced below:

June 30, 2009

Dear Members of Ggwangamujje NY/NJ:

RE: LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR THE PRESIDENT

This is a follow-up to the June 14, 2009 letter from our President, now on a leave of absence.

SHORT TERM ACTION PLAN
It is quite difficult for me to step into the role of Acting President on short notice. However, with your support and cooperation, I will try my best to work with the Board and establish a minimum action plan to make some progress during Mr. Bunkeddeko’s leave of absence.

“VOICE OF CUSTOMER” MEETING
Your input and support will be critical to the success of the minimum action plan that I have mentioned above. Since Ggwangamujje NY/NJ is a service organization, we will start with what you expect from your investment in the organization.  You will shortly receive an invitation to a meeting to discuss ideas on what to include in our minimum action plan.

TTABAMIRUKA ‘09
After consulting the Board and Mr. Edward Semambya, I regret to inform you that Ggwangamujje NY/NJ will not organize a Ttabamiruka ’09. The current state of the economy and the urgent need to strengthen the health of Ggwangamujje NY/NJ were key considerations. I have however requested Mr. Semambya to initiate plans for Ttabamiruka ’10 as soon as possible, hopefully by the end of July 2009.

Thank you.

Charles Mukasa

Acting President
Ggwangamujje NY/NJ, Inc.