
The meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Buganda Clan leaders over last weekend that was reported about mid-week. So, days after it was transpired and as the Budget Speech was announced and about to erupt. The news hit the papers and online sphere.
There was knowledge of pledges and promises. The President wanting to give land, cultural heritage site and an entertainment facility of some kind. That’s what the President has promised the Clan leaders of the Buganda.
The Kabaka and Katikkiro should feel dismayed. The Mengo is losing power and the Head of State is meddling directly in their affairs. His involving himself before the Lukiko and the leadership of Mengo gets a say. The President is offering his tokens and certainly wants something in return. He gets loyal clan leaders by giving mere shillings, which isn’t his anyway.
Museveni is getting these clan leaders for cheap. Just like he gets the loyalty of religious leaders by donating SUVs and charitable donations to church coffers. The same is being done here and the Prime Minister and King of the Kingdom has no say. They are just onlookers while their hierarchy is aligning itself with the government outside.
The President is getting it easy and only has to hold small functions at the State House. Only give them a little courtesy… and pledges. From there they have to be loyal and spread the message he wants from them. Because he knows they want this from him and he can fix it. Therefore, a simple ask to get the bargain.
The President undermines the authority of Mengo. The Kabaka and Katikkiro is underlings who are supposed to be heads of the clan leaders. The clan leaders are supposed to summoned and obey the King. Alas, the President has now jumped the line and towed it too. They are now awaiting the blessings of the President and not the King.
That’s why this meeting is a betrayal of the Mengo. The Clan Leaders are getting anointed and getting in good favours by acting in the manner of which President wants. However, they are undermining the leadership above them within the Kingdom. That’s a bad look…
The Mengo, Kabaka and Katikkiro should think about the implications of this, as they are weakened and their clan leaders are made into beggars of the state. Instead of honourable leaders within the Kingdom. They are coming for a handout to the Head of State, instead of awaiting their turn with the King and the Lukiko. Therefore, this is a political play where the President gets everything and Mengo is outplayed. Peace.










