Opinion: Is Kooki “returning” to weaken Buganda?

“The Kingdom of Kooki, also known as the Kooki Kingdom, was a pre-colonial African kingdom located within present-day Rakai District of Uganda that existed from approximately 1740 until 1896. The kingdom ceased to exist as an independent state in 1896 when it merged into the British Protectorate of Buganda. Its royal line still continues to this day as a Subnational Chiefdom, and is currently led by Kamuswaga Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II. In 27 July, 2015, the Kooki Kingdom declared independence from Buganda but it wasn’t recognized by Buganda” (Dbpedia/Wikipedia – ‘Kooki Kingdom’).

What is happening these days and the movements from Rakai district. It is obvious that National Resistance Movement (NRM) is involved in the rise of Kooki Kingdom. That is done to revive the old chiefdom and recognize it to dampen the power-base of the Kababa Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. As well, as Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, which is to give less prominence to the whole Lukiiko.

That’s why the establishment and the possible recognition of Kooki would seem to happen. This is to damage and take away the cultural prominence of the Buganda kingdom. If this happens and as it seems to be moving towards that. This is done to humble and show Mengo who is the real boss. That’s the move of the President just to prove a point and that his the man in-charge.

We know that President Museveni has re-launched the cultural kingdoms of the Republic. Though he has never acknowledged or even tried to re-instate the Ankole Kingdom. That’s most likely for personal grievances. Though he did also re-instate Bunyoro and Rwenzururu, though the latter is in exile and haven’t been allowed to be in his own kingdom for years.

Online there is suddenly pictures on the roads with a welcoming sign of entering into “Kooki Kingdom”. A kingdom not yet recognized and breaking away from the Buganda kingdom. That is an act, which isn’t recognizing the old agreements between the chiefdom and the kingdom itself. Has the agreement been revoked or been dissolved?

Yes, in the 1896 agreement it’s a few vital stipulations, which could still be key to this day: “And I recognise that henceforth the sovereign of Kooki is Mwanga king of Uganda [Buganda] and after him, his heirs and successors. And I recognise further that all treaties, international agreements, laws and regulations of every kind, as well as tribute and other obligations of every kind at the time and the future in force or leviable in Uganda are henceforth similarly applicable stand leviable in Kooki which now becomes an integral part of the kingdom of Uganda [Buganda]. And I Mwanga, king of Uganda [Buganda], hereby pledge myself and my government and my heirs and successors to recognise Kamuswaga, hitherto independent king of Kooki, as a Muganda saza of the first class whose province shall be Kooki, which henceforth becomes part and province of the kingdom of Uganda [Buganda]” (The Spear News – ‘The 1896 Buganda Kooki agreement (Verbatim)’, 14.06.2017).

These words are detrimental and very clear. It is written at a different time and for a reasons of such, which was the reason for the agreement in the first place. The times we are living in now is totally different, but the current Kooki is by the agreement an “integral part” of the Buganda kingdom.

This is how the Kooki addressed the old agreements and in a letter in 2015: “In a July 27 letter to Charles Peter Mayiga, the Buganda katikkiro (prime minister), Kooki prime minister Hajji Idi Ahmed Kiwanuka publicly announced its independence from Buganda, complicating an already damaged relationship. Kiwanuka’s letter was also a protest note against Mayiga’s planned visit to Kooki County for a fundraiser for the beautification of the Kabaka’s lake in Ndeeba near Kampala. “Irrespective of individual and/or institutional perspective, Kooki by all laws governing the Republic of Uganda, is a lawful cultural institution with a hereditary leader, governance structures, with due protocol and indeed independence,” the letter partly reads. Historically, Kooki is one of the recognized counties of the wider Buganda kingdom. In the letter, however, the county leaders say the cultural institution will maintain a “deliberate co-existence” with sister cultural institutions. Copies of the letter were sent to State House, ministers of gender, labour and social development; internal affairs and defence” (Uganda News Releases – ‘Kooki Leadership Declares Independence From Buganda (allAfrica.com)’ 05.08.2015).

We have to await and see, but this is a game played from the State House to tussle with Mengo. That is a deliberate act, as we know the fear and the recent openness of love between the President and the Kabaka. There is a reason for it and it could been done in spite. Because, the President wants to end “Mailo Land” for instance. So, this could be done now in an act of revenge and prove to the Lukiiko and Katikkiro that they got nothing to say.

The President can just decree and order. That’s why you shouldn’t be shocked or surprised. This a game of divide and conquer. It is nothing new in the eyes of Museveni. That’s a game his been playing out his whole career. The latest could be this and Mengo should listen. If they act to much out. They might easily be further targeted and loose other “provinces” too. Because, Museveni might favour Bunyoro over Buganda now. Who knows?

But… Museveni is a man of this sort of play and the Kabaka is getting tested. Peace.

Obwakabaka Bwa Buganda: Office of the Katikkiro – Press Release (25.03.2022)

Obwakabaka Bwa Buganda: Press Release (20.04.2021)

Kingdom of Buganda: Office of the Katikkiro – Press Release (16.04.2021)

Opinion: Kabaka’s health ‘worries’ and lack of treatment [+ thoughts on Medical Tourism]

I don’t know what is happening with King Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II, the reigning Kabaka of the Kingdom of Buganda. On the 13^th April the King was seen by the general public and the Baganda celebrated the 66^th Birthday of the King. He was clearly not well and in a worrying condition.

Today, the Royal Family issued and statement and the New Vision reported:

“In a statement issued Wednesday, siblings to the Kabaka, without offering details of his health condition, said that whereas he has been unwell, he is responding to treatment very well. “Ssabasajja (Kabaka) has been unwell for a while. However, he has responded well to the prescribed medication and his medical team is positive about his prognosis,” they said” (New Vision – ‘Kabaka unwell – Royal family’ 14.04.2021).

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga should petition the state and ensure the safety of the Kabaka bwa Buganda who needs health care and treatment. That he feels unwell and seemingly looks weak. He does need health care. The Royal Family is saying his getting better, but his looking frail.

What is striking is that Bebe Cool aka Moses Ssali ranted after the birthday was really unique in a way. Especially for someone who is promoting and standing by the regime. His an vocal apologist and always standing by the government. Still, at this point and for the favour of the King. He had no trouble saying the Health Care in Uganda sucks. So, everyone who is an VIP and High Ranking Official should do Medical Tourism. Instead of trusting the treatment and healing at local hospitals. That really says a lot.

A regime apologist and a voice of the government. Bebe Cool says the rich and well-off is supposed to get treatment and healing from their sicknesses abroad. By saying that… his dismissing the doctors, hospitals and the health care in the Republic. That’s because he says the King needs to do this abroad. We know that the high ranking officials in the NRM have done this and opposition leaders are doing it too. They are going to the U.S., India or Nairobi to get help. That shows the state has failed Ministry of Health and its Hospitals. When this is what you say.

Yes, Kabaka seems weak and frail. It is up to the Kingdom and the Royal Family what to do. It is up to the state, if it would facilitate or help the King to get treatment on the outside of the Republic. The Katikkiro should ask or even try to through the political channels and even try to get something out of the State House.

It is natural to feel sorry for the King. He deserves to get the right treatment. I will not speculate into how he got there and what’s the reason. That is beyond me. However, this situation only shows the problems of the state and how it doesn’t take care of its citizens. The King isn’t just a high ranking official and a cultural leader, his also a citizen who deserves health care like everyone else. If it isn’t working for him it cannot work well for everyone else either.

Bebe Cool is maybe right, but at the same time his wrong. It shouldn’t be a necessity to go abroad to get help. That should first happen at home, but the state haven’t prioritised this and that’s why they need to do this in the first place.

This is a detriment to all the years of the NRM. That they cannot help its own and hasn’t the capacity to properly help the King. This means they cannot help the average citizen either. When a VIP like the Kabaka doesn’t get the treatment he really needs. Even the likes of Bebe Cool says so and his a voice of the state. His usually on the barricades for this regime and wants to spread their message. That’s why you know the state has failed. When a guy like him says this. Peace.

Buganda Youth Council: Condemnation of Tribal Segregation and Disrespect of Cultural Leaders (22.05.2020)

Obwakabaka Bwa Buganda: Woofisi Ya Katikkiro Mayiga letter to Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni – RE: New Lower Secondary Curriculum (04.03.2020)

Apparently, the Katikkiro snubbed Museveni!

“Rumors are ripe that am going to be appointed VP; that that’s the reason Pres M7 was hosted by Kabaka Mutebi at Banda Palace so the President might brief the King. I am not the next VP. Iam carrying out my duties as entrusted to me by the Kabaka. I don’t do under table deals. CPM” (Charles Peter Mayiga, 11.02.2019).

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has shown finesse and also strength. There been speculations in what was happening within the meeting between Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The meeting was held this 5^th February 2019, it is seen as event , that is happening because of the upcoming General Election in 2021. As the President wants to ensure all his allies are with him and that powerful ones on his side. This is typical him, as he offers money, pledge land-back and whatever else. As it is a trade for loyalty.

Therefore, there are known of some financial implications of the meetings, as the grievances of the theft of Kingdom’s land and other aspects. Has made the President work hasty, as he wants to settle it and look good in the eyes of the Kingdom. Yoweri wants Ronald to not be a voice or renegade against him. Since, he is one who gotten his place back because of him and also his lost titles. If not compensation of the lost land titles. That is if, the NRM and the Ministry of Finance can find the funds to do so.

Whatever this shows is the way that the government manoeuvrer in the time before an election. Try to reign in all, to get all the ducks in a row and make the roads shine. In the meantime, the President can let everything go and eat. While right before an election, he needs to show effort and let other get some scraps too.

What has been special is the rumours and promise of giving the Buganda Prime Minister or Katikkiro Mayiga the role as Vice-President beneath himself. That the President might appoint him, as a token of loyalty to the Kingdom, as the special place it has in the Republic.

If the Katikkiro would get this role, he would be sort of like King Freddie, who was President between October 9, 1962 to March 2, 1966. By all means, King Freddie had actual power in his office as President and King. While, the Katikkiro would be a noble-men, with a high-office, but we all know. That Vice-President Edward Ssekandi is an important as a grape-fruit. He is a nice trophy, but not something you take utter seriously or of vast importance. There are usually more swagger in the Prime Ministers, that the President has appointed. Therefore, the Katikkiro would be a big-man with a office, but not doing anything profound. Because, when did Ssekandi do something magnificent or revolutionary, did something or said something that was worth damn? Well, that never happen. The same would be the role of the Katikkiro.

Katikkiro would play second fiddle and be one of the cronies within the administration of Museveni. He would be nothing else. So, if this was offered to him, it would have been done to show loyalty to the Kingdom and the King. As his men would be directly in the sphere of power. As the President needs the support of this, as the President knows the growing dissidents within the Kingdom against him. The opposition and the ones behind Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine are from this. Therefore, it would been a smart move of the President. He is conning enough to do this.

What we can take from this, that the Kabaka has a loyal servant, who he has appointed and the President got snubbed. Peace.

Buganda Kingdom and Uganda Breweries Limited launched Ngule Beer today

Mission accomplished! We are proud to add to our stable of world-class brands, Ngule- a high quality and affordable beer, brewed in partnership with Buganda Kingdom. Brewed from local ingredients i.e cassava, sorghum and water, Ngule is yet another example of how our business creates sustainable growth and development of local communities through fostering an enterprise culture throughout our value chain and sourcing from local businesses that in turn creates jobs and uplifts household incomes.

Recharging the Security Agencies in Uganda and other breif statements since the Nominations Days

Follow up of some political changes since the Nominations Day’s in Uganda

There been actions and quotes after the start of elections-season in Uganda. The campaigning will not start officially before Monday 9^th of November and end 18^th February 2016. Still there already campaigning and movement from all parties involved. Even the ones paid to secure the elections and the ruling party. The last report I have to is a continuation of the fear-mongering the President Museveni does. It’s his trademark now. Just like Nike – Just do it! For Museveni it’s if you don’t get me to keep the throne then the guns shall arrive and you will regret trying to get rid of me!

 

Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, PhD and Presidential Candidate – Statement 5^th November:

“I was not disappointed by the comments made by President Museveni when he asserted that I am a young boy who failed to manage Makerere University and that he doubted my capacity to manage this country. It only affirmed my impression of him as a person who is of advanced age and has no more capacity to keep tabs of what is going on and has no idea what is happening on the ground in Uganda” (…)”Of course I know that President Museveni has grown very intolerant of anybody who threatens his hold onto power. It is the reason that he has gone an extra mile to forget the above as seen in his attacks over my personality” (…)”To avoid going back and forth on this discussion, I would like to offer myself for a public political debate with H.E President Yoweri Museveni as we ponder on issues that affect Ugandans and not each other’s ages. It is in such debates that we can be able to engage in mature politics”.

Joseph Mabirizi, Presidential Candidate of The Independent Coalition said this in his speech 4^th November:

“I thank those thousands of Ugandans countrywide who signed our nomination forms, without expecting anything in return. This showed us that in Uganda, despite the culture that the 30 year old regime has attempted to impose on Ugandans – that votes are for sale – has not quite taken root. We are confident that this spirit will continue during the election period and beyond. We appeal to all Ugandans to reject voter bribery in all its forms, now and in the future” (…)”I have walked on foot when I had no transport fare. I have struggled to make ends meet. My relatives live in the villages, some work in markets, in garages, others are drivers- name it. Many of my young relatives are un-employed yet educated. I am just a hard working person who believes that with courage and determination, everything is possible. And I will be president of Uganda. With your support” (…)”To all citizens, the time for real change is now. We hear people talk about change” (…)”They have failed the young people. They have failed the women. They have failed the persons with different abilities- they have instead exploited them, manipulated them, given them empty promises and misdirected the nation. We pledge to return Uganda to its rightful path. Change can only come with new people, with new thinking. New attitudes. Don’t be deceived. No one can be able to make any meaningful contribution to governance after 30 years in power, whether as president or in any other capacity”.

Security and monitoring the election in Karamoja and Rwenzori:

Today, the minister for Presidency and KCCA, Hon. Frank K Tumwebaze has handed over nine brand new Isuzu double cabin pickup trucks to the RDCs of Karamoja and Rwenzori regions.The vehicles valued at 145m each were handed over to the RDCs of Abim, Napak, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kaboong, Amudat, Kotido, Kamwenge and Kasese districts at a function graced by the Secretary, Office of The President, Ms. Deborah Katuramu and the media.The minister reminded the RDCs about their constitutional mandate under Article 203 of monitoring government programmes both at central and district levels. While the Secretary warned the RDCs from misusing the vehicles, urging them that punitive action would be taken against anyone who uses the vehicle for any other work besides monitoring.

Statement on Yesterday’s FDC Nomination Rally:

You made a loud and clear statement yesterday!

Thank you the people of Kampala, thank you the people of Wakiso, thank you the people of Buganda, Northern, Eastern and Western Uganda. Thank you for loving FDC and our charismatic leader Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye – flag bearer.

The journey to bring change has just started, we can not however accomplish this task alone as FDC and or opposition, we equally need everyone including but those in NRM who are pro change. By this we call upon all peace and democracy loving people iregardless of their political affiliation to join hands with FDC to bring about the desired change.

Let us exhibit maturity, respect and tolerance even with those with contrary views. Lets convince one to convince another.

Together We Can and each one of us matters.

One Uganda One People,

Rajab Kaaya Sema

FDC National Vice Chairman Buganda

POLOGY TO MY FDC COLLEAGUES

Yesterday I called the Kizza Besigye nomination event organizers Semujju Nganda and Kikonyogo John N to confirm my attendance at the nomination rally at Nakivubo.

There is no way I could not be with my FDC colleagues on this day. I had really wanted to put the record straight,- that not all JEEMA leaders put their weight being Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi (Go-Forward) as is alleged. Those JEEMA officials who have declared support to JPAM did so as individuals, which is their absolute right, especially since JEEMA did not find it strategic to field a presidential candidate in 2016. As some of you know, business to do with “flag bearer” is disposed of only at the JEEMA National Delegates Conference. This was not done.

Unfortunately, I failed to make it as I could not navigate through the jam, for, at 2.38pm I was also nominating a new kid on the block fronted by The Independent Coalition, TIC. His name is Joseph Mabirizi, Engineer, 40. It took us another two and a half hours to return to Kampala.

My reasons for participating in introducing this new face in Uganda’s politics in 2016, whose real political future lies certainly beyond 2016, is ideological. A new generation should be assisted to put its foot forward now, so that they can book their place in the future, at the highest table.

My personal support for FDC’s Kizza Besigye is rooted in a rich history of trust, respect and common danger that we have faced as change agents at the hands of those whom we know very well. I also know that many other JEEMA members and leaders do support FDC’s KB for 2016. God willing, I will find time at another FDC’s KB public event to repeat these words – and perhaps more, to a wider audience. This is my promise.

Omar Kalinge-Nnyago

JEEMA delegation in the Inter Party Organization for Delegation (IPOD).

Saturday 7^th November – Baganda Kingdom:

“Crowd goes wild as Kattikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga introduces Kizza Besigye to Ssaabasajja Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom at the youth day celebrations in Kasangati, Kyadondo” – Reports say today!

What A Pro-Museveni has been spreading online:

“Amama seeking for sympathy:

Hey statesmen and women of the great nation Uganda.

In my last article I clearly showed you how Amama uses media to claim to be a billionaire yet he has money just enough for his family.

Yesterday we learnt that Amama Mbabazi was trying to seek sympathies from the public as his team claimed that he couldn’t access his account to facilitate campaigns and yet calling for support by donating via mobile money.

Amama got this from Kizza Besigye but for the money he got from Gay activist and then Temangalo Scandal.

Ugandans are wise Amama is not going to fool us.

Vote wisely

Don’t vote for vulnerable thieves

‪#‎M74PRESIDENCY2016

JONAH LUTHER BYARUGABA

CHAIRMAN MUSEVENISTS COMMUNITY.

Reports from the Go-Forward Group this Saturday 7^th November:

“A MAJOR REBELLION and SPLIT has finally broken out in THE GO FOWARD camp with seven chief mobilisers on the run having swindled 10BN CASH meant for strategic mobilisation! Thousands of GO FOWARD loyalists continue to storm plot 28 nakasero and vow to crush the chief robbers! In a sphere of national confluence we do urge all political practioners to exercise moral prudence, when managing the financial infrastructure of their organisations! And to you chief professional robbers in the GO FOWARD CAMP, please be reminded that your chronic culture of stealing money was well inherited right from the time when you served in the MIGHTY NRM GOVERMENT, a matter worth no indelible suprise! thank you” (Reports say).

Some more aftermath reports from the NRM Primaries:

“Junior minister for Lands Idah Nantaba has been flown to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for specialized treatment after police subdued her with pepper spray following a confrontation at Kayunga Police Station in the chaotic NRM primaries”.

Crime Preventers from Up-Country demonstrate:

“80 crime preventors, along with their counterparts from Nwoya and Amuru, are protesting for allegedly having hoodwinked to join the M7 nomination rally on 3rd November. They were ferried from their training grounds with hopes of being passed out, ending up in Kololo!” (Reports from Gulu say’s so today!).

On 5^th November the UPF released this information:

“Minister of state for Internal affairs, Honorable James Boliba Baba has today launched twenty seven (27) regional Joint security Operation Centers with the aim of further enhancing crime reduction & management at a regional level. These centers will work hand in hand with the security teams within the districts. The regional centers will also work very closely with the Joint Operations Command center at the national level. The function took place at police headquarters & was attended by representatives from UPDF,UPF, UPS, ESO,ISO, DPP. All regional Police commanders were in attendance. The launch was also attended by Mr Stephen Kagoda, the P.S Ministry of Internal affairs”.

President Museveni continues with his fear campaign:

“Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned Ugandans to prepare for a war if they don’t vote him as president comes 18th February 2016. The president was addressing the nation at statehouse Entebbe and he clearly stated that Ugandans must vote him or prepare for a war” (AfroReports, 2015).

Hey! What do you think, wasn’t that all enlightening and giving you a feeling for what is happening and the results of what is going on. There are massive moments and the camps are preparing their campaigns and everything. They way of addressing and deflections, not to mention the state giving police more fancy equipment right now before the elections and also starting joint operations between the security agencies while the President Museveni have to reassure the people what will happen if they don’t vote for him! Something is smells fishy! While the Harmonization of campaigns have been done the Electoral Commission and the days are scheduled and the document is able to get for free on Scribd. For those who are interested. In this days the manifestoes can also be read. But trust me; it is more interesting to see the movement on the ground then empty promises. Peace!

 

Reference:

AfroReports – ‘Prepare for a war-Museveni Warns’ (06.11.2015) link: http://www.afroreports.com/index.php/latest-news/263-prepare-for-a-war-museveni-warns.html