BUGANDA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WARNS MUSEVENI THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL TAKE UP ARMS, AND FIGHT FOR THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW.
Writes Leo Odera Omolo.
A MEMBER of Ugandan Parliament from Buganda Kingdom has warned that members of the Baganda community, the most populous group, has issued a stern warning to president Yoweri Museveni, saying that his people would consider the option of taking up arms and fight, if the government fails to implement democratic policies and the rule of the law.
Hussein Kyanjo, who represents Makindye West in the Uganda Parliament, said democracy and the rule of the law are the wishes of the majority of Ugandans, and that the Bagandas will not hesitate to take up arms and fight for their rights, if President Museveni refuses to adhere to the principles of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
In an emotional speech before 1000 delegates ate the Buganda conference, held at the Hotel Africana last Thursday, Kiyanjo said that the majority of the Ugandan wants the federalism system of government.
The MP quoted President Museveni as having repeatedly told Ugandans that, “if a jigger is in the foot the best solution is to remove it.”
“Some people in my constituency keep on suggesting that if the government has failed to adhere to democratic rules, then we should then overthrow them”. Kiyanjo was further quoted by the government owned NEWVISION in its latest edition as having told the emotionally charged meeting that would be the only alternative to the current political stand off between Buganda and the government.
The ruling NRM , he said, fought in the bush was for democracy, but if it has failed to abide by the rules of the democratic games, then the Baganda would resort to war as an alternative. means of solving he current political stand-off.
“When you oppress the people, you expect them to resort to violence. We do not want to be like Somalia where violence is the order of the day. I want to be frank that if we fail to get power through democracy, then we shall use force”, the MP said.
Earlier on, Kiyanjo had clashed with Major Kakooza Mutale of the NRM, who rubbished the conference, by saying that the question of power cannot be discussed at such a forum.
“How can someone come here and insult us by saying that power is not discussed? Power belongs to the people. There is a different between power and force. What your government has is a force not power”, the MP told the major.
Closing the conference, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi, defiantly renewed his demand for a federal system of government, despite repeated warning by President Museveni that cultural leaders should stay out of politics.
“The finding of Odoki’s Commission were that the majority of the people of Buganda and over 60 per cent of the rest of Ugandans wanted federalism. This is the authentic voice of Ugandans. So why deny them that right?”, the Kabaka asked, attracting prolonged applause and ululations.
Kabaka Mutebi called for federalism system, not only for his Buganda Kingdom, but for all parts of Uganda. He said the 1962 constitution had not fully addressed the federal question, because the system had been denied to other parts of Uganda, and granted to the others.
The Kabaka explained that by the time colonialists came to Uganda, there were established nations, which he said, must be repeated and revived.
Calling his Buganda Kingdom as a multi-tribal nation, the Kabaka, in an unusual long speech, said his people had welcomed and incorporated people from all background.
“We are people of one family, and live in peace and harmony. We talk to each other honestly and with mutual respect .This costs nothing. Therefore, members of our family have concerns, which must be adhered to.
Excitement and emotions ran so high that some of the participants kept chanting, “bayes likenoinyin nsi la Buganda {landlord aye Nyanja tenanyirwa{the one who can make you sick}. These emotions were fueled MP Hussein Kytanjo’s hard hitting attack on the NRM government, and a cultural group dance “Teibafanana Abifuna”, which entertained the delegates.
The song in vernacular translates like, “We are fighting for Buganda excited the advocacy of “federo”and Buganda but some are betraying us and “Aklanyomoynomo zikusanje baroyoma nnyinimi nyasibayo nebi”{ you despise the king, then you have lost it].
Earlier, the DP Presidential candidate, Mr Norbat Mao, PPP party leader, Bidandi Ssali, and the former High Court judge, George Kanyaihamba jointly declared their support for the federal system of government in Uganda.
“Federalism will deal with corruption, restore the prestige of the government institutions, and bring redress for imbalances in economic prosperity,” said Mr. Mao.
Ex-Judge Kanyaihamba, blasted beneficiary Buganda personalities, who have failed to defend the federal system of government to protect their status, survival and business aggrandizement.
In their final resolution, the participants stressed that Buganda is not seeking special status, but want federalism for all Ugandans.
It also called for a convention for all the communities of Uganda to have a dialogue on the federal system of government.
Ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com