Federo: Museveni walks in Obote ’s 1966 footsteps

The 1962 Independence Constitution granted Buganda a full federal status. Three other kingdoms (Ankole, Toro, Bunyoro - and the Territory of Busoga) were granted a semi-federal status. The rest of Uganda was governed by the central government under a unitary arrangement.

Phares Mutibwa, a Muganda historian, says in his book Uganda Since Independence: “The provisions of the constitution were such that it could not easily be amended, thus entrenching and enhancing further the interests of the federal states – especially Buganda, home of Uganda’s largest, best educated and wealthiest ethnic group.”

This was a sort of compromise between Buganda and UPC led by Milton Obote arrived at on the sidelines of the Lancaster Conference.

Although Buganda was among the national agitators for independence by 1962, ultimately it wanted federal status over and above the independence thus according it a special status from the rest of the country.

The principal architect and beneficiary of the federo demand was Buganda, but the other kingdoms were brought on board to give it a wider and national outlook. This arrangement to give Buganda a special status above the rest of the country was the genesis of today’s simmering friction between Mengo (the seat of the kingdom administration) and President Museveni’s central government. This arrangement led to the emergency of Buganda nationalism vis-a-vis Uganda nationalism. To date Buganda sees herself as a state and the rest of Uganda as a “neighbouring state” from which it expects bilateral respect. It is apparent Buganda has not accepted it is under the Ugandan state. For that reason it has failed or rather refused to submit its ethnic ‘nationalism’ to the Uganda nationalism. It’s the driving force behind her demand for administrative and political autonomy from the central government.

This system of a Buganda state within the Uganda state led to the confrontation between President Edward Mutesa and Prime Minister Milton Obote in 1966. Kabaka Mutesa who was a titular president had exaggerated his powers as head of the Buganda federal state and attempted to encroach on Obote’s powers who was the executive Prime Minister. The power conflict between the two culminated in the 1966 Kabaka crisis when Mutesa fled to exile after Obote ordered the army to attack Lubiri, the king’s palace.

To stop the power fusion between the federal state and the unitary state, Obote abolished the Independence constitution which had granted Buganda a special status. He replaced it with the 1967 constitution which abolished all kingdoms and turned Uganda into a republic.

In one of his most memorable statements against kingdoms, Obote said: “No dead man has a right to rule over the living, either directly through his heirs, or indirectly through his ghost?” (The 1966 Crisis by Dr Akena Adoko)

President Yoweri Museveni Even President Museveni, a traditional critique of Obote over the 1966 Kabaka crisis, acknowledged the dangers and futility of creating two power centres within one state when he appeared on WBS television show on July 12.

“The 1962 constitution failed and failed disastrously because it tried to create two countries in one…federo is a recipe for disaster and we told them in 1962,” Museveni is quoted to have said.

He also referred to the 1962 Buganda federal arrangement as creating “two countries in one” or a state within a state. The 1966 crisis is the futility and folly of this arrangement Museveni refers to, which saw Obote suspend the 1962 Independence constitution, the Lukiiko subsequently call for the central government to be removed from Buganda territory (widely interpreted as an attempt to secede), and finally the “battle of Mengo” in May 1966, during which Army Commander Idi Amin led government troops to storm the Kabaka’s palace, forcing him into exile for the second time in two decades. The 1967 Constitution concentrated power in the central government, transforming Uganda into a republic rather than a combination of federal and unitary regions.

Surprisingly even after knowing that the creation of a federal status for Buganda in the 1962 constitution he still demonised and condemned Obote for his behaviour in 1966.

The late President Milton Obote If it were Museveni that time, what would he have done? My intuition tells me that if the same situation that prevailed in 1966 before Obote ordered the attack on the Lubiri confronted Museveni today, he would act more ruthlessly than Obote did. Why? If a mere negative campaign against the Land Bill last year provoked him into ordering the arrest of three Buganda officials and their detention in unknown places for days, how would he have reacted if; one, the Lukiiko had ordered him to take his government out of Buganda; two, the Kabaka was stocking guns in the Lubiri and had called all able-bodied Baganda to undergo military training, as was the case in 1966?

During his appearance on WBS television show, Museveni made it clear that he would not grant Buganda a federal status.

“We made an amendment in Article 178 of the Constitution, which provides for regional governments under the regional tier arrangement. We shall not grant anything beyond that,” he said.

But why are we again in this power race between the central government and the Buganda establishment, which had been solved 42 years ago in 1967? Who is responsible for this?

President Museveni is squarely responsible and should accept to bear the consequences of his intransigency. Why did Museveni bring back the kingdoms well knowing the mistake of the 1962 constitution and the consequent 1966 crisis? It is not wise to hurry into marriage with a divorced woman. The reasons she divorced her former husband may be the same reasons she will divorce you tomorrow.

In 1961 Kabaka Yekka party entered a political marriage with Obote’s Uganda People’s Congress to defeat the Democratic Party. But soon after the two fell out with each other and finally divorced in 1966 leading to the abolition of kingdoms in 1967.

Twenty six years later (1993), President Museveni decides to bring back the Buganda-central government marriage through the restoration of kingdoms. The Banyankore say that when you see a stick that has been used against your co-wife, you better throw it over the fence because tomorrow it will also be used to beat you. The stick (monarchs) had been used against Obote and he threw it over the fence. But Museveni picked the stick from over the fence and brought it back into the homestead. Now it’s being applied against him.

Museveni failed to draw wisdom from this old Runyankore proverb in February 1993 in Gulu when he held an Army Council meeting whose top agenda was the proposal to restore kingdoms, which had been abolished by president Obote in 1967. Among the members at the Gulu meeting was a prominent Muganda bush-war hero and Museveni’s trusted cadre, the late Lt .Col. Sserwanga Lwanga. Museveni had invited the army generals to seek their views on the restoration of kingdoms. The then legislature, the National Resistance Council (NRC), had rejected the proposal.

Sserwanga told President Museveni straight in the face that he would be making a blunder if he dared restore the abolished kingdoms. Serwanga argued that it was impossible to return kingdoms without ceding political power to them. In the heated debate that ensued Sserwanga argued so passionately that restoring monarchs in Uganda would be inviting demands that President Museveni would not be able to fulfill.

But ultimately, Museveni prevailed over Sserwanga and it was resolved to restore the kingdoms. Today Museveni is facing exactly what Sserwanga told him 16 years ago. Buganda’s demand for a federal status has put the Mengo administration and Museveni on a collision course with each party vowing never to compromise on their stand. Mengo says there will never be more talks with the central government if federo is not on the agenda. Museveni counter-vows that he will never engage in talks with Buganda where the subject is federo.

In the 1962 constitution, it was only Buganda which wanted a federal system but it dragged in other kingdoms to create an impression that federo was a popular demand. In 1993, the restoration of kingdoms too was pushed by Buganda. But other areas like Toro, Bunyoro, Busoga and others were just brought on board to suggest that the idea was popular countrywide. Even today Buganda is claiming other regions also want federo. But how come it’s only Buganda making loud noise about federo while the rest are quiet? Buganda is again trying to draft other kingdoms into the federo race to appear as if it’s a national matter.

There are a few lessons we must learn. It is high time Buganda realised its nationalism must be integrated into the Uganda nationalism and it must accept that it’s part of Uganda. It should stop seeing itself as a neighbouring state. Two, Buganda should refrain from stampeding other parts of the country to legitimise her unilateral agendas.

Why did Museveni push for restoration of kingdoms well knowing it would open up space for Buganda to demand her former federal status as of 1962?

President Museveni entered this unprincipled marriage in restoring abolished kingdoms for purely populist reasons. He will pay the price. When you invite the butchers you must give them the animal to slaughter. Looking at what is now happening between his government and Mengo, I believe Museveni must be ruing over why he never took Lt. Col. Serwanga’s advice.

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Great supporter of Museveni
written by Ozoo, August 12, 2009

Im a great supporter of Museveni who admires his administration but i still think he has so far done to grave mistakes that ugandans will never forget: 1. the restoration of kingdoms 2. the attack on bakiga in bunyoro. The other mistakes are forgivable but not these two.

-3

Ugandan Lover
written by Ssemakula Ismail, August 12, 2009

You have a man of M7 calibre who erroneously misjudges others --a narcissist, who is self centred...so some of us have failed to know who he is and now we are reaping our own folly..or even when we really know him, why have some of us been duped by his power-hunger, which is riddled with all deceiptions,sectarianism ..and all ills one can think of ..that we have in our lifetime witnessed in Rwanda, Kenya, Liberia, Serbia, etc...Our NRM MPs have sold the country for 5 cents.The Baganda know that Buganda is in Uganda, but are infuriated with the lies the man fed them on that he was going to restore their Kingdom so that they wholly support his personal war to be the Sabagabe.

Ugandan Lover
written by Ssemakula Ismail, August 12, 2009

We have not yet seen what is in store for us as a Nation, because the harbinger is unfolding under our gaze...what should the Banyoro do if the man incites them against other Ugandans whom they perceive as land-grabbers of their land?Medard Lubeega and Miria Matembe voiced their concern about what is fermenting by M7 perpetual stay in power.I salute you M.Lubeega for calming none Baganda living in Buganda.I am not inciting my fellow Ugandans against the M7 man, but we should know that we are "ONE" nation, with a diversity of tribes and even cultures..but WE are Ugandans. Lets us not accept anybody, whether he has an asernal of the type M7 has storkpiled to divide us so that he reaps us of our resources.You Banyoro,sit down and resolve NOt to heed that divisive letter, with ideas of that man and flush him out of your Distirict with the Kasaijas, Ford Mirima, and the likes.

Ugandan Lover
written by Ssemakula Ismail, August 12, 2009

I call upon all Ugandans that actually our fellow Baganda are very accomodative and developmental, but as I have earlier on said, the man told them lies that he was going to restore to them what Obote took away from them.Ask Hadji Naduli who was with him in the bush ad if Late Harunah Ssenkubugge was alive, he would testify to this.These promises,not withstanding,I would like you to accept that Buganda is in Uganda and you should accept that so that you steer development programmes with other Ugandans.Borrow a leaf from the USA...with its diversity of human resources.Actually, on critical note to you my fellow Baganda citizens, look at Buganda's 1900 Queen's agreement with you as away to calm you so that they would be laughing at you when they are not here, and yet you are using the same paper to live antagonistically with your fellow Ugandans.It is like the Nile Water agreement which gave Egypt sovereignity of our water.If we had a visionary leader, not the fake one we have now, we would use our waters more profitably, without Egypt interfering in our profjects.

Ugandan Lover
written by Ssemakula Ismail, August 12, 2009

On a simple note, lets all Ugandans Unite and pull our resources together and throw out any body who is using Religion, Tribe, corruption, etc..etc.. to divide us for their own selfish interests.Rwanda, Somalia, Liberia, Kenya , etc...should be our living examples.The Banyoro and other people in Bunyoro (The Bafuriki as someone tells us to call you)should openly castigate the hate call by that man against your fellow Ugandans.Uganda should be for US all. You Banyoro, should know that Buganda and Baganda were the "symbolic darlings" of M7, and he has now flushed them in a sewer after using them. The evils that men do always live after them...so accept to be used, we shall be porking our fingers at you...but why should you wait for that scenario, any way???

Mr.
written by Michael Senyonjo, August 12, 2009

There's nothing wrong with Uganda being a union of federal states. If the country can have regional govts, it can have regional states. The problem in Uganda is not Buganda's demands for Federal but abuse of power and misuse of national resources by the central govt. Both these 2 problems can only be solved by empowering regions and curtailing the powers of the central government. I don't want any federal arrangement that gives Buganda a special status and certainly don't agree with federalism under the 1962 model. As a Muganda I want federalism as agreed upon by all and for all Ugandans. It must be modern federalism. The momentum to achieve this kind of federalism is unstoppable.

Baganda are stubborn like a mule
written by Lakwena, August 12, 2009

Thanks Ismail Ssemakula for that enlightenment. Frankly speaking, the restoration of the pseudo monarchy by Museveni is a thorn in the feet of Uganda, for which we can't move ahead. Selfishness, the type afflicting President Museveni is an incurable disease like the HIV/Aids; which will **** this country at some point. It even hurts more to learn that a typical Muganda 311, the late Sserwanga (RIP) told President Museveni straight in the face that he would be making a blunder if he dared restore the abolished kingdoms. The Baganda and their Federo are stubborn like a mule. As long as this blunder is sustained we are not getting anywhere. I am glad many enlightened Baganda see this.

-2

Is a Federal State without a Kabaka Ok for Baganda
written by Lakwena, August 12, 2009

Mr. Senyonjo, I want to agree with your argument for a modern federal states. Which means the Governor of each State will be elected. That's fine with me who comes from where the traditional leaders are no big deal. But in Buganda, what will happen to the Kabaka, and how many Batakas who are largely considered palace sycophants are going to agree with you? You risk being excommunicated Mister!

serwanga was aloner
written by fred, August 12, 2009

serwanga was actually a loner and the only thing he could do in talk and talk to please museveni's hears..thanxs to God museveni read his greedy lips and responded otherwise.

BUGANDA
written by lukayiiira, August 12, 2009

Buganda is simply asking what mother nature endowed to its territory just like what Bunyoro has discoverd.Other people in Uganda should be courteous enough to accept this.
We cannot afford to ignore Justice Odoki's and Sempebwa's findings in the constitution review commissions on the federal system in Uganda.To remind you:67% of the people in Uganda want Federo AND of these 98% in Buganda over whelmingly supported a federo system.Therefore it would be diversionally to say that it is only Buganda that wants Federo.
And again to remind you during the Lanchester conference the Acholis wanted a full federo arrangement.
Lastly Uganda shall never be a republic in reality simply because this country was formed as an agreement between 16 independent tribes and those are the symbols at the entrance of the national parliament.The earlier we accept this reality the better

...
written by Emperror, August 12, 2009

Sennyonjo speaks wih the zeal of seasoned journalist. Having a country of federated states is VERY different from having a country of federated Kingdom states. And the difficulty of this does not lie in the political powerplay, but the inherent lack of democratic credentials of Kingdom structures, and their integration into the wider state (country).

I am sure many a Muganda will say "there is no stopping us now", but so will many a republican Muganda say "no way to the legacies of feudal kingdoms". And the biggest trump card that will be touted is Mutebi (totally un-fit as an individual to lead any modern society).

-1

...
written by Emperror, August 12, 2009

So are you suggesting there should be a genocide of all loners?
I contend that Serwanga actually had a lot of sense to say (be it that he was "supposedly" a loner).

-1

What is a Republic
written by Lakwena, August 12, 2009

Mr. Lukayiira, I may be misunderstood you. What is a Republic? Countries like the United States of America and Germany are Federal Republican countries. What difference does it make. I hope you are not confusing feudalism with federalism. These are two different systems of governing. So long as you keep carrying forward the monarchy into Federal system of governance you are lost and continue to live in the past!

-1

More study of federalism needed
written by Rev Amos Kasibante, August 12, 2009

I like Michael Senyonjo's in put and appreciate Lakwena's question about the place of the Kabaka in a federal arrangement. For this question must be asked. In my experience the unitary state model simply has not worked, and this is not due to Buganda being 'a state within a state'. That is a tired argument. No sooner than a self-confessed republican nationalist becomes President than you realise that his government practices a measure of sectarianism. In my opinion, there is need to do a thorough study of federalism in other countries. Our society also need to learn about the role of the central government. Those who say Baganda are stubborn like a mule are blind to their own muleness.

More study of federalism needed
written by Rev Amos Kasibante, August 12, 2009

Matsiko wa Mucoori makes ref to Sserwanga-Lwanga. He had been such a keen NRM/A with zeal and intellect who represented one strong view (there were other strong views) among the NRM on the question of monarchy. Butanda's 'ebyaffe' pre-date the Museveni administration.

If there was to be a federal arrangement in Uganda, the position of the Kabaka would have to be discussed and a solution found. It should also be noted that federo will not solve all problems.

What is really our main national interest?
written by Russo, August 12, 2009

Fast-forward solutions to the current tribal political systems in Uganda may not be solved by either federation or otherwise.
Until our leaders learn the most important thing:Nationalism, we shall meander like River Rufiji forever. Federalism works well in countries like USA, Germany, Japan, etc; where core National Interests are jealously guarded by all regional govts; they are not tribalistic federations and that is why they are able to stand as a nation.Try this in a federated tribalistic Uganda.I doubt whether our political leaders even seem to know what our national interests are, if not, only their individual interests.So, even if we fix federation in Uganda today without first understanding our common goal as a country will not change anything even post-M7 period.

...
written by matovu, August 12, 2009

Patrick, you always seemed to be a very learned journalist, but i find your views very shallow.

Did you read Odoki's report of 1995. 65% of Ugandan's asked for a federalism.

I find it confusing why you hold the Kabaka and the kingdomin such bad light. Exactly what has the Kabaka and the Baganda done to you to hold them in such contempt.

The President bent head over heels to prepare for the Queen during CHOGM. To my knowledge, she is a traditional head. Not elected. But i am sure Wakoori you want to visit England in your life time. When shall we learn to appreciate our own?

Please read Mutibwa's book, The Buganda Factor in Uganda Politics''
It will help you understand that the stroming of the Lubiri was never a desire to unity the country. It was basically to protect Obote and Amin from investigation by parliament as proposed by Daudi Ochieng ( Not a Muganda). Are you also aware that Obote arrest five of his ministers before storming the Lubiri? Please read more. Do not insult our intelligence by bring out shallow and unreaserched information.
I find your article very childish.

...
written by Kalema, August 12, 2009

It's not that Museveni does not know what was wrong with restoring Kingdom or that he wasnt aware of what Lt Col Serwanga was concerned about. But Museveni's brain works twise of the average person, but rather in a evil way. He restored Kingdom as a tool for divide and rule. He planed how he would use this situation whenever it arises. Because his agender was completely far from what he was telling Baganda during his bush war, he new he would new time would come when he would use Kingdom crisis to get support from other tribes against Buganda as support from Buganda dwindles.

...
written by Kalema, August 12, 2009

To understand what Museveni is, you dont have to go far from Uganda.
As a student at Ntare, he use to like wearing a hat as he still do to this day. His teacher at Ntare owned a Dog.
One day Museveni put on his Hat. The Teacher jokingly took his and on his Dog. Museveni did not respond as he some time does on some issues. But the next day he turned up with a knife and stubed the the Dog dead.
Baganda should stay warned he can even decide to reduce Baganda population in order to balance political equation.

One Sided Article
written by Ggomba, August 12, 2009

I believe that the writer of this article Matsiko wants Buganda and Baganda for that matter to be hated by other ares of Uganda. First of all, he would have explained M7 's motives for re-instating the kingdoms and also why he did he not re-instate the Ankole kingdom. M7's lust for power is what drove him to do what he did and the same lust for power is behind this Bunyoro nonsense. It seems that the writer is trying to confuse people that once Buganda is given a federo status, we are creating a country within a country. You are dead wrong. Why don't you try to explain what a federal system will do? If Buganda is granted a federao status, it will develope Buganda meaning that Buganda will be able to correct taxes to develope its region. This could be done to other parts of Uganda. what is so wrong for people to pay taxes whenver they reside and that money can go to develope such areas instead of giveing money to the central goverment which is so corrupt and nothing gets done? It seems that people really think that Buganda wants to be an entirely a differrent country which is not the case. If Bunyoro can ask for political affirmative action, which Buganda has never done, why are people, specifically non- baganda are so out raged with buganda's quest for federo?

One Sided Article
written by Ggomba, August 12, 2009

That is so corrupt to the core that nothing is ever done? For a certain percentage of shilling spent in Buganda will go to develope Buganda and for a percentage of money spent in other areas the money will be spent to develope those areas, what's wrong with that? What has M7's regime done for its stay in power for the last 23yrs?, w are still fighting poverty, butamanya na butalowooza. Get real my friends.

Mr
written by Michael Senyonjo, August 12, 2009

Lakwena,

Of course we want the Kabaka to stay as the head of Buganda, just like the Queen of England is there for Britain. I do not believe that the Kabaka should have executive powers and neigher does he (Kabaka) want them. I also think that the Lukiiko should be elected and the Kabaka should then pick a Katikiiro from 3 nominations from the Lukiiko. We are looking for a modern Federal state and not the 1960's style.

Forget
written by Kapipo, August 12, 2009

I fully support Patrick view of blaming M7's populist policies.M7 is abit unlucky,look at other things he has done before! In 1990,he gave full support politically and militarily to the RPF who attacked Rwanda and created a rear base in Uganda.After achieving power in 1994,they turned against him and have completely forgotten the assistance he gave them.Same with Mengo,the Kabaka and his inner eating and unelected circle have also turned their guns and forgotten that he solery restored the kingdoms.Uganda doesnt benefit from federo and I believe even FDC which is the only serious opposition party would not grant federo to Mengo if they were in power. Forget.

Live it or take it
written by a guest, August 13, 2009

Uganda needs Buganda and Buganda does not need Uganda. Buganda in 1955 wanted to go it alone. It wanted to attain Independence without Uganda. Federal was a comprmise to have Buganda within Uganda. Other tribes wanted very much to unite around Buganda yet Buganda felt it could not exist within Uganda. Today, ofcourse behind curtains, Baganda think getting intergrated within Uganda was a mistake. The history or politics of this country has been unfair to them since Independence. The Baganda are not shy to tell their close freinds that they would do better without them. What has Buganda gained from being part of Uganda? Destroying all sense of their culture! Blaming them for whatever goes wrong in the entire dirty,bloody republic. The mess all the Uganda govts have done is reason enough for this country to be wiped of the map. Some parts of the east can join Kenya, The North is free to join their brothers in southern Sudan and make one whole muderous entity called Nile republic. The others may join Rwanda or Zaire. This country is not a nation and its not viable, it has no future.

...
written by Lakwena, August 13, 2009

Rev. Kasibante,

This is not funny,

The difference between the Baganda's muleness and those of others is that the Baganda's muleness is overtly inward-looking and for the wrong reasons (superiority complex). It is inward looking or parochial. This is because the 1962 constitution made the Baganda more or less like a spoiled brat. That is why they live in the good old past.

anonymous
written by omuganda, August 13, 2009

what an insight u have we baganda don't need uganda we can devolope on our own because we hv the brains and the will. i don't see the reason why non baganda devolope chills on our mention of leaving uganda. we adopted non baganda and we taught them social behaviuors and its time to let them off and fend for themselves pse dont catch flu for fear of being alone without buganda u can find warmth in other areas

Lakwena, I made note of your comment
written by Rev Amos Kasibante, August 13, 2009

Lakwena, on Baganda or is it Buganda's muleness - I have heard stories and experiences about Baganda's attitude of 'superiority'. It is definitely something that the Baganda need to check i.e. engage in good heart searching to see if and to what extent that is true. Only, Lakwena, I would point to two observations that I have made over a 40 year period: Ganda superiority, where it existed was not universal among the Baganda. Buganda having achievement a certain level of sophistication (not an eternal value but a fact of historical circumstance) and being centralised obviously also had a class structure. Haven't you heard about Bakungu and Bakopi? In fact, I would suggest that the 1966 crisis had the effect of uniting the Baganda and made them ignore their differences. Second observation is that Baganda, like other peoples in Uganda, have not remained static. Thus for instance whereas before the divide between Bakungu and Bakopi was a class divide; today a mukopi is one without manners or social etiquette.

Stop living in the past
written by Ozoo, August 13, 2009

Dear Omuganda by saying that Buganda can let off non baganda is history which can not repeat itself.
Be amordern person and think constructively, there many things to learn from non baganda and the opposite is also true.

Lakwena, I made note of your comment
written by Rev Amos Kasibante, August 13, 2009

Thus, for instance whereas before the divide between Bakungu and Bakopi was one of class today a 'mukopi' is a person without good social manners or etiquette and that person may be a Muganda or non-Muganda. Today intermarriage is one the increase? And superiority & exclusivism exist among all ethnic groups in Uganda. Along with attitudes of superiority the Baganda have exercised a high level of hospitality and inclusivity.

...
written by Lakwena, August 13, 2009

Mw. Senyonjo,

While that sounds sensible, but how many Baganda, especially the intellectuals, subscribe to the Monarchy and its function in the 21st Century? I have talked to many elitist Baganda and especially scholars who think that the institution of the monarchy as it is, is redundant and inconsequential. They only don't speak out openly for fear of reprisal from the peasant riffraff who largely influenced by the Bataka. Remember sometime Prince Mulondo when he contradicted Mengo; the riffraff cut down his banana plantation. The earlier the Baganda let go of the Monarchy the better. Note: a year ot two ago the 200-year Nepalese Monarch dissolved and disbanded its authority, because of being idle and redundant. The Monarch can only function in peasantry economy where citizens do not know their rights.

...
written by Lakwena, August 13, 2009

Mr. Anonymous,
I think you are a wishful thinker. Parochialism is Baganda's worst enemy. There is no such a thing as Buganda surviving without the rest of Ugandans. Lets suppose Buganda goes it alone. Kampala can become a ghost city within a decade. Given that Bunyoro and Acholi now have oil they can Industrialize and commercialize faster than what is taking place in Kampala; which will suck all the manpower. Look at what happened to Jinja in 23 years even without the scramble for cessation; the ones you are advocating. Be careful. The first thing will be for the Basoga tol first to block your gateway to the East. You'll pay through the nose to get to the Coast. Simply put you cannot survive without the rest of Uganda.

Lakwena, I made note of your comment
written by Rev Amos Kasibante, August 13, 2009

No, Baganda definitely need non-Baganda for social, political, cultural and economic reasons. Lakwena has just mentioned the matter of being land locked. And contrary to popular misconception and some history of polarisation, if you read history (e.g. Mamdani's Politics and Class Formation in Uganda) you will see the extent of co-operation (and not only conflict) between Buganda and her neighbours.

MAjority Rule
written by Ggomba, August 13, 2009

Otecho you are wrong again. If you read my post caferfully, I said that we
should learn to live together and on the other note, if you look all over the
world, the majority in any country rule or are in power and that's the way it
is. If a country is ruled by a minority, they always rule by force. So no matter
what, in my oppinion, Uganda will not be peacefull until the majority are in
power. Giving Uganda federo does not mean that Buganda is any better than the
rest of the country. Federo will anable Buganda government to collect taxes
from anyone who lives in Buganda and that money would be used to develope
Buganda and likewise other parts of Uganda could do the same. If I lived in the
North, I should pay taxes to the northern regional government to develope the
area. Is that a previlage?

Correction: Baganda are not a majority
written by otecho, August 13, 2009

Ggomba you are wrong too, the Baganda are not a majority. They are the largest minority; there is a difference.

Hubris and Political Expediency
written by Otecho, August 13, 2009

Museveni thought he could restore kingdoms that have no political power; essentially eat his cake and [still] have it. It is ridiculous and fallacious; it hubris and expedience, especially after an "easy" guerilla war. The kingdoms do want political power, to levy taxes and maintain a security force, but wont say so. Naturally the Central Government wouldn't have any of it. And even if a Muganda like Prof. Bukenya were President he would "fight" the Kabaka for political space. That is the nature of the beast - political power. So the central governments are liars and so are the kingdoms.
The solution is to have a legitimate central government that will level with all Ugandans [including kingdoms] and hammer out a formula to devolve power, without necessarily causing civil strife and wars.

...
written by Kalema, August 13, 2009

Gomba, I think you are not thinking hard enough.
Since the creation of this Republic, the location of the City and the Central Governmentment has attracted not only investment but people not only from all cornner of the Country in search for jobs since most of the industries is located in the capital but from all over the world.
Your idear is to collect tax from all these investment and population for developing Buganda only regardless of the contribution made by other part of since the creation of the republic. what an IDEA!!!!!!!

Mr
written by a guest, August 13, 2009

baganda it's high time u released that ur in acountry called uganda not buganda if amistake was done of giving u back ur heritage then , ur to face the worst from other ugandans if i may ask is buganda the only kingdom in uganda? instead of forcing on working ur there just shouting , if u need fedro better be prepared to slaves in ur so called baganda ,may simple advice if u make anational refrendum u will be voted as the best idlers and thieves .

HATE SPEECH
written by Mukasa, August 13, 2009

It is regretful that there is a lot of vitriol in most of y'all contentions. I see hatred for Buganda and Museveni. We cannot build a nation on the notion of hate speech and malice. Give credit its due-both parties have to move away from their intrasigent positions, sit down with open minds and see where we are coming from and where we are going. So many haters have always wanted the alliance between Buganda and NRM to collapse and that will be the end of both parties. Ask UPC and the Acholi. We have seen what is going on here in German. The state of Bavaria and the Christian Democrats. It works as long as each party keeps their side of the Bargain. The country needs these two parties if its to remain a viable nation. U can all say whatever u want but the fact is Museveni has held this country together peacefully and the Baganda have been very compliant despite their grivances. Hmmmm

mind ur business
written by omuganda, August 13, 2009

looking at the Zulu kingdom and its king Zwelithini i envy it its a kingdom of very volatile proud people who stomach no insults. unlike baganda who prefer diplomacy to achieve their goals but this has led ple to look at us as fools and s**t on us at their will. while their fore fathers were walking around naked, ours had clothing. so how can we live and sleep soundly among such who will rejoice at our extinct. can we continue to pretend as if we don't feel the pinch? and just say let us negotiate! no its high time if u so called ugandans want us to stay in harmony with u respect us and our wishes we never invited any one in buganda u just came as our saying says" Awagwa ekku tewabula bulondererwa" so u came to pick the crumbs but we let u sit on the table and we gave u our names pse mind ur business. we live under oppression but we will always be in unity to fight off our oppressors

...
written by Bob Kiberu, August 14, 2009

Hey Mr. Kapipo, you mean the Kabaka did not play any role in the struggle which brought Mr. Museveni into power?so for Mengo, they have to demand what they where promised and if not given, then what do you expect?Mengo had a deal with President Museveni, and as always he keeps on giving empty promises.....

Mr
written by Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba, August 14, 2009

We should support any form of federalism on the continent. We should support the federalism within Uganda ( Buganda, bunyoro, busoga and northern federalism). We should also support the East African federalism and the General Africa federalism that will eventually bring about the United States of Africa.

Let us all agree that African borders that separate different countries are very artificial and we have suffered from the process of partition for a long time. Buganda federalism will unite a lot of people within Buganda. Federalism will be the catalyst that will ultimately unite us as Africans. Federalism will be the catalyst that will ultimately reduce the powers of different African leaders within their respective states and Africa in General. Most importantly, federalism will help to reduce on the tensions brought about by the artificial borders created by colonialists. The artificial boundaries in Africa have magnified the like hood of international and domestic conflicts which has weakened the stability of various governments on the continent.

With African federalism, the Chewa and Nagoni will be able to connect freely with their brothers and sisters in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi without any ‘real’ border restrictions. The Kakwa in Northern Uganda and south Sudan will also have a similar feeling.

African federalism can also be a good thing economically for the 15 African land locked countries including our Uganda. Trade will take place across the continent without a lot of restictions involved. People can move about with one passport across borders and that can only be a good thing.

It will also reduce on shouts for secession among respective states if those demanding for federalism are given their federo. Buganda wants federalism and I see not good reason yet why it cannot have it. The more the government hold out a stubborn position, the more the secessionist will keep making the noise. Secession in Africa is not news and it is one of the ways people take when seeking self determination. For instance, the Somali of Ethiopia’s Oragen region want to secede. The Eritrians have already seceded from Ethipia. The Ewe of Ghana also want to secede just like the non-Arabs in South Sudan.

Mr
written by Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba, August 14, 2009

We should support any form of federalism on the continent. We should support the federalism within Uganda ( Buganda, bunyoro, busoga and northern federalism). We should also support the East African federalism and the General Africa federalism that will eventually bring about the United States of Africa.
Let us all agree that African borders that separate different countries are very artificial and we have suffered from the process of partition for a long time. Buganda federalism will unite a lot of people within Buganda. Federalism will be the catalyst that will ultimately unite us as Africans. Federalism will be the catalyst that will ultimately reduce the powers of different African leaders within their respective states and Africa in General. Most importantly, federalism will help to reduce on the tensions brought about by the artificial borders created by colonialists. The artificial boundaries in Africa have magnified the like hood of international and domestic conflicts which has weakened the stability of various governments on the continent.
With African federalism, the Chewa and Nagoni will be able to connect freely with their brothers and sisters in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi without any ‘real’ border restrictions. The Kakwa in Northern Uganda and south Sudan will also have a similar feeling.
African federalism can also be a good thing economically for the 15 African land locked countries including our Uganda. Trade will take place across the continent without a lot of restictions involved. People can move about with one passport across borders and that can only be a good thing.
It will also reduce on shouts for secession among respective states if those demanding for federalism are given their federo. Buganda wants federalism and I see not good reason yet why it cannot have it. The more the government hold out a stubborn position, the more the secessionist will keep making the noise. Secession in Africa is not news and it is one of the ways people take when seeking self determination. For instance, the Somali of Ethiopia’s Oragen region want to secede. The Eritrians have already seceded from Ethipia. The Ewe of Ghana also want to secede just like the non-Arabs in South Sudan.

...
written by Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba, August 14, 2009

Read the full article on:
http://semuwemba.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/africa-buganda-and-east-african-federalism-is-all-good/

we also have a culture and heritage
written by okello a learned friend, August 14, 2009

Omuganda,
rub it from yo dumb mind that our fore fathers were naked,u especially baganda extremists n the baganda in general didn't bother to learn other tribe's cultures n thats why u have that idea of other tribes havin no culture,
I am a jopadhola one of the small tribes in Uganda n according to the evidence of history we have one of most modern social,political and economic cultures Africa has ever had,
-Our fore fathers wore cow hides n leopard skins which is more valuable than the backcloth u boast with,
-Our chiefs have always been elected surpports Napoleon's policy of promotion by hardwork not by birth there is nobody born as a looser n the other as a god,
-We worshipped only one god called 'were othim' who is believed to be everywhere,listens whatever u say just like christianity NOT A FELLOW HUMAN TITLED KABAKA and other demonic gods arround him,
- we married only one wife which is evidenced by our low numbers,we do not inherit wives where i am from,
our chiefs would never grab your wife or your land and he never had the godly powers to do anything stupid we have clans too my friend why disrespect.
-We have never ever celebrated a persons death like u did to Obote's something known to witches in traditional Africa.
-which sane person didn't see u bring the british into other people's territories we don't have names like semei kakungulu in our luo vocabulary,
-if u claim superiority y didn't u prove it agains't the british,
Luos are never corrupt not that i have heard of obote never grabbed yo land he only avoided confussion,we all paid taxes to build Kampala it is the baganda who benefitted from the profits of slavery it's the Luo who were the biggest victims of slavery, followed by the bakiga.
The idea of living without us is rubbish we r the excellent in the army in science and technology we have the best vocublary,Obote never ever tried to change King's College Buddo's policy of admmitting strictly baganda students,
My dear Luos r not selfish obote didn't mind the c'try bein named uganda otherwise Nile republic was quite a fair name.
He left Uganda broke when he was over thrown n had no land from Buganda Amin gave your land back to you after removing it from indians he never grabbed it,
Appreciate the effort of other Ugandans n then the c'try will exist even President Museveni's effort should be respected to recognise Kingdoms or if i were him they would not exist.
please respect us homeboy

we also have a culture n heritage
written by okello a learned friend, August 14, 2009

Omuganda

we the jopadhola maried only one woman that is why our population is small.wife inheritance was unheard of.
Fornication n rape were big crimes but in buganda the king n any other person higher were known for grabbing wives n rapping them Mwanga n Chwa were even gay u claim Africa is proud of u instead yo the big embarrassements,mutebi has a son outside wedlock,
Our chiefs were elected to serve but yo clowns r born to be served n worshipped
Yo dumb minds claim superiority where was it against the british instead u turned the anger by helping them concur other places semei kakungulu was no luo that name is of the baganda now the act is catching up with you n u r embarrased.
We all paid taxes to build Kampala your large noses beneffited from slavery the Luo n Bakiga were the victims but u still shout nonsense,

THIS IS 21st century
written by okello a learned friend, August 14, 2009

we the Luos had our better peacefull kingdoms destroyed but we moved on accepted the embarrassment ut yof being called Uganda yo square asses that started this s**t up r bringing it back u sh'd thanking Museveni for recognising yo clown n i respect his stand against bowing down to that clown.Beti Kamya once had the surpport of the nation at large but when she became tribalistic she lost it all schools like buddo that promote secretarianism sh'd be closed,
Long live Ugandan

-1

Baganda are Behaving like Palestinians
written by Jude, August 14, 2009

The only lack of sense I can compare the agitation of Buganda for federo is the agitation of Palestinians for the occupied west bank. Its a fact of history and a reality that Palestinians in the current world order will never get the occupied lands that Israel took after the war.All they should expect is a bit of west bank and a bit of Gaza strip and that is it. Even if they all committed suicide the reality will remain.Now if I were a Palestinian I would be trying to adjust to this reality and make a new state.Equally there is no way Buganda can get what the British gave them in the current order in Uganda and if they were smart they should have seen this and I think Museveni thought they would accept this reality hence granting the kingdoms. Just like he Palestinians whose worst case scenario is losing even the little left for them, for Buganda,they are bound to be abolished again. Sincerely I think the next 2 govts will do it.So stop all the noise Baganda

-2

...
written by Lakwena, August 14, 2009

Rev. Kasibante,
I think it is misinformation to imply that the Baganda are the most hospitable tribe in Uganda; therefore the rest of the other tribes are barbarians. Not at all. I had a very bias opinion about Bakiga as being rude and callous. But I found the Bakiga very amiable and easy people to work with because of their straight-forwardness. Some have unbelievably humble natural disposition. The seemingly Baganda hospitality could just be a canning deception. Otherwise Africans in general are known for being naively hospitable; which is why they became victims of colonization.

-1

...
written by Lakwena, August 14, 2009

Mr. Okello , please mind your language. This is not a forum for gutter language.

-1

...
written by Labeja: Museveni should be i, August 14, 2009

Sorry gays, slightly off topic.
Where are the lawyers? Museveni's letter writen to Banyoro was clearly to incite Banyoro against the so call Bafuruki. Am not a lawyer, but something tells me that this letter should be enough to see him court if people are to take him by his speach on trible politics.

Bakopi Passions gone amok, Non-Baganda are modern
written by ocheto, August 14, 2009

These kingdoms weren't exactly the venerable establishments they are now being made out to be. The Kabaka used to treat the Bakopi like sh*t, spit in their mouths for them to swallow, make them prostrate before him, sleep with their wives and them too, and sometimes **** them for his pleasure. The socalled Namugongo martyrs were actually palace pages who turned down king daudi Chwa's gay sexual advances. These bakapi should be grateful to the rest of us non-baganda for ushering in and standing for modernity where individual rights are respected above worshipping another human being.

-1

Bakopi Passions run amok, Non-Baganda are modern
written by Ocheto, August 14, 2009

These kingdoms weren't exactly the venerable establishments they are now being
made out to be. The Kabaka used to treat the Bakopi like sh*t, spit in their
mouths for them to swallow, make them prostrate before him, sleep with their
wives and them too, and sometimes murder them for his pleasure. The socalled
Namugongo martyrs were actually palace pages who king daudi Chwa had murdered for turning down his gay sexual advances. These bakopi should be grateful to the rest of us
non-baganda for ushering in and standing for modernity where individual rights
are respected above and beyond worshipping another human being.

...
written by Emperror, August 14, 2009

The narrow-mindedness of labeling M7's policies as entirely populist is one of the major flaws of Mwenda as an analyst (I hasten to add you are falling in the same boat here).

For starters, though many will argue otherwise, the very reason that we are able to hold this debate / discussion here is not only due to the advancement of technology, but M7's (I will use that generically to mean NRM) policy of liberalisation and freedom of press. In the case of Rwanda, well the facts speak for themselves in as far as the progress the principality (sorry country) has achieved.

...
written by Emperror, August 14, 2009

The mere suggestion that M7 is treading in the 66 footsteps is way off mark. As is now clear to all who wish to know, the '66 crisis was caused by the plunder of Congo by Obote who then covered his tracks by ousting Sir Freddy for trying to out him.

The lesson in this is quite simple. FEDERO has no place in present day Uganda and as M7 quite rightly pointed out, the FEDERO question was settled by "Regional Tiering" as per constitution. The only gripes that the so called "KONK baganda" have with the tier system is because
1. It was NOT proposed by the densely thick Mutebi who in 50 years can never think so brilliantly anyway.
2. In the footsteps of the lost counties, the Mengo clique are sure that the feudal boundaries (frozen at independence) will be receded by supposedly loyal "constituent" districts refusing to ally with Mengo. Nakasongola chieftancy has already indicated so.

...
written by Emperror, August 14, 2009

Rather than beat about the bush and come out here prancing with all sorts of contradictions, aka Uganda has to find its own way and in the next breath suggest that Marxism can offer an answer because capitalism has failed etc is, quite honestly, typical of Mengo talk bordering on idle talk.

mr okello
written by omuganda, August 14, 2009

Mr okello as u are a learned friend i think u lack education and if u portray the whole japhadola community then, that is why baganda feel embarrassed to sleep in the same bed with you Ugandans. a learned friend dont u know there are culture diversity among communities? its a sign of brotherliness for japhadola to eat from the same soup plate, its revered culture for banyankole to wipe their nose with bare hands but to us baganda ur ways of eating and that method of banyankole to clean their nose is unhygienic and distasteful. so please if u are monogamist we are polygamist. so if our king was grabbing women do u know why we call him SABASSAJJA? so we here that u japhadola u first steal woman before u get married to her but such practice to baganda is barbaric. so how do u rate zuma who has five?it our way of life to maintain leadership through heredity so if u were electing urs that's ur way. but let me ask u do these african elected leaders fared best than our kings they sent to eternity?
so how do u feel when u see a white man kissing the cunt of his wife? but that's a white mans way of showing deep love but to Africans its stupidity. so that is our way of showing love to our king who we hold at high esteem. so remember in the eyes of a muganda , be of the past, the present or the future a ugandan president is nothing our known leader to all we owe allegiance is our king and for now is MUTEBI. Take it or leave it or go and hung

mr okello
written by omuganda, August 14, 2009

remember that in the eyes of a muganda be of the past, of today or of future, uganda presidents are nothing the only leader we revere is our king and we hold him in high esteem and as of now is MUTEBI. take it of leave it or simply go and hung , we will never swallow ur baits.

...
written by okello a learned friend, August 14, 2009

Omuganda

is u commenting abt ma educ u trippin homeboy the only folks i hear of shouting federo don't even have a UCE i hear Lukyamuzi uses his dead brothers papers that can be evdenced by his poor english language that even mwonda c'd see to kick him out of parliament,
we don't steal women in jophadhola we ask for them n pay bride price with cattle staeling women was heard of when mwanga n semei kakungulu were in the east,it's the Baganda who treat women as commodities that can be inherited n sold off, adultery is a crime where from bro.many baganda women run for us in the north miria kalule turned down a one katikiro for Dr Apollo Milton Obote,Baganda men r spat at by our sisters coz they disgust them,

-1

Jealous for Buganda
written by Joshua Kato, August 15, 2009

Okelloe, is educated but not civilised. So you have to forgive him. Okello and many others don't knowthat it was Buganda that requested Queen Victoria to send some teachers to teach peopl like Okellos and others.
That is why they ae jealous.

Nationalism
written by Kabajja Daniel, August 15, 2009

Patrick, please show me the nationalism for uganda which you are talking. I think the Baganda have more nationalism for thier state Buganda than the rest have for uganda.
I stand to be corrected

...
written by Collins, August 15, 2009

If the federal system was bad , how comes the republic system introduced by colonialists for their selfish interests has failed for 42 years

...
written by Janes basudde, August 15, 2009

Lakwena,

I suggest to you use your energies to learn what made Buganda great--and don't resort to the moronic "the British helped you"--and apply what you learn to your area to help in its development. Jealousy and ignorance will not do it.

JB

Kalema-Not Thinking Hard
written by Ggomba, August 15, 2009

Kalema-How do you think, Old Kampal, Makerere University and all those elite secondary schools in buganda were built? Those institutions were paid for by the buganda government under a federo system from the colonial times. Other areas, could do the same, by collecting revenues from the people living in such areas. All the central government has to do is to give them a federo status and they can develope their areas. People who are against buganda getting a federo system of gavernance have other motives.

...
written by James basudde, August 15, 2009

Russo,

By having a federal system, evenin a tribalistic society, the central goverment would not have the powere it does now. The army andpoliice would reflect the country's ehtnic mixture, so you'd not have the "I am president for life" nonsense we have now, because the president could then not have the army behind him to stay and dictate forever. Regional development would make each region stronger. Corruption would be less because the representatives would be held more accountable. These reasons, to me, make federalism worth a try. Ask yourself: why are these unitary governments so much against federalism? Why is debating the issue taboo? What have they done for the country since '62?
JB

...
written by James basudde, August 15, 2009

Lakwena,

I am assuming you do not have a monarchy in your part of Uganda. To get your point against monarchy and federalism across better, tell us where you do come from; then tell us how far and how fast it has advanced, vis-a-vis monarchical, pro-federalism, inward-looking Buganda. This would clarify everything to us.

JB

...
written by James basudde, August 15, 2009

Emperor, you are right: Federalism has no place in present -day Uganda. That's because present-day Uganda in anachronistic. It and similar dictatorships are things of the past. You are just buying time, but the inevitable is coming--federalism, and with it, regional development, freedom of movement, less corruption, better education, health care and infrastructure throughout tge country.
Enjoy what you and people like you have stolen to date, but your time is up.

...
written by Anthony Byanyima, August 15, 2009

I can't agree with you more Mr. Senyonjo. There is nothing difficult about Federo...infact we already have it albeit a fake one called decentralization! The Museveni's of this world will try and use divide and rule tactics (Banyoro vs Bafuruki, Baganda vs Ugandans) to keep their hold on power, this will not be for long!!

okello
written by omuganda, August 15, 2009

ojame okello iwacho nedi? a learned friend cant u get the difference btn someone who is educated and some one who is learned?
u are learned but not educated. we get learned in schools but we get education from our parents and ple of noble mind who direct us through earthly ways, to respect ple and always to strive to live in peace and harmony among men of various social settings. so i don't dispute ur learning but i doubt w heather u ever received any education. do u brag of ur English and look down to those with poor command get ur self a copy of ngugis book "decolonizing the minds of Africans" cheerup " as the bible say "salvation comes from Israel" in ur uganda u say civilization came from buganda.

-1

...
written by Emperror, August 15, 2009

Nga basuula wala?

Any reason why you should respond to my comment in such an obscure place? It seems you did not want the wrath of my response, therefore I will give it to yo here.

Keep dreaming, and as soon as you wake up from your dreams, start deluding yourself.

-1

Mr
written by mbaga, August 16, 2009

Itake it that Baganda are the chosen few(jews) but go to rural areas and see their wretched life!!! so much for federo and King-Ekitibwa kyabuganda, just a shame fuull of chiggers , kwashikor etc. yes baganda can make noise, equally they are good in business but the rest- average.regarding educationand wealth I think the west is now leading by default. long live the useless monarchs, we salute you the down trodden.

-1

DR.
written by Moses Kasule, August 16, 2009

I am sorry but the fact is when ever I see Obote's picture I feel so sad for what he did to our the Kabaka- Sir Freddie Mutesa 11.

What Obote did was totally unacceptable, how would he attack a respectable man of the people like Kabaka.

Obote no mercy for you whether you go to hello or not but hello is the best lasting place for you and I think this should not be the way Mu7 wants to go.......

-1

...
written by Martin Byakuleka, August 17, 2009

The problem is that the issue of Federal in Uganda can hardly be logically reasoned; take the fellow above calling himself Basudde - there is a lot of blind emotion. I wish we could carry on constructively with Senyonjo, except as Lakwena intimated - Senyonjo take heed - if you reason logically in Buganda you will be kaput. Nze byantama - thats why sometimes I think a heavy hand is the best solution.

Living in denial is false consciousness
written by Lakwena, August 17, 2009

Mukyala Janes Basudde,

You are entitles to your abuses. But living in denial is false consciousness. The truth is, if the British didn't show up and before them the Arabs; we, me and you, would still be picking our noses on panyas and anthills shooing off birds and monkeys from our banana gardens, NOT plantations. Even after 47 years of independence, that reality still exist even in Buganda where in your wildest imagination, still think you are more civilized than the rest of Ugandans. Nada. You see, lugezigezi does not make a person intelligent or better than others, because those who know that they don't know are much better off than those who pretend to know. It takes some humility to be a better person not arrogance. Besides, nobody hates Baganda as some of you have become xenophobic. For heaven's sake, to be corrected or criticized is not hatred.

-1

...
written by Lakwena, August 17, 2009

Mr. Basudde,
In your first entry/reply your name read "Janes basudde", therefore I thought you were a sister. My apology. otherwise I am an Acholi 3-1-1, and that's where Baganda inherited their monarchy from. But as far as monarchy is concerned, it has become irrelevant. The Baganda are clinging on what most reasonable people have dropped. The monarchy was and for those who still cling onto it, a cruel institution of manipulation, exploitation and human rights abuses. For example in Buganda how many people are denied right to land? The majority of Baganda are squatters on what should be rightfully theirs. How can one or two people own 9,000 square miles while the rest 99% of Baganda are at the mercy of the Bataka and the so call royals? The 99% Actually qualify to be called Bafuruki! I sure you want to **** me over this.

Pride comes before a fall
written by Lakwena, August 17, 2009

Mr. Imhotep (sounds like Egyptian),
Pride comes before fall. What you perceive as lack of appreciation by the Bafuruki in Buganda, towards Baganda is not true. If you are an objective person or people, you would first ask yourself why the bashing from the Bafuruki, If at all it is bashing? There must be something wrong unless they are all mad! There is something to love and hate about Baganda. Personally, I would have loved the Baganda to lead by example since they make a lot of noise about themselves. But it is not forthcoming because of being introverts, which is their undoing. For example if the Baganda kamanyiro the rest of Ugandans, how can a Muganda be elected president however competent or intelligent? Look at Nsibambi Makubuya and Bukenya! Can they lead Uganda? Nada.

...
written by mawadri, August 17, 2009

i soon see another genocide which happened in 1994 to happen between the Banyoro and the Bafuruki, Museveni knows how to incite and he lives the people confused to settle their matter while he organises for the 2011, what a hypocrite!, please chief, we do not need another blood shed, we have had enough from the kony and we intend to move peacefully,i pray for the gods intervention and perhaps bring the worst disease to those who incite the peaceful. What?

Cheif Chef
written by mawadri, August 17, 2009

:evil: Ugandans should ask ourselves about the person who initiates the constitution, This 1995 constitution gives absolute powers to the President with powers of veto, appointment, Fountain of Honour, Commander in chief of the UPDF, Cheif chef and so on to mention by a few, so the powers of the President is absolute and unquestionable as Article 98 0f the constitution, how ever much the opposition shouts, their message will fall on deaf ears, what can you do to the Fountain of Hounor, Let the aggrieved wait till he ceases to be a sitting president and institute their case. Rest my case cos i know the powers are absolute.

we can't deny our history
written by michael G, August 17, 2009

B) how uganda came about should be a key factor if addressing the current disagreements is an objective.This is because the current main complainants played a fundamental role yet free lancers are now riping the state in the disguise of "twalwana"as if they fought alone.let the 1962 decisions contribute to the redefinition of the current national cake since there were no such grumbling like now.the colonialists knew it

COME ON!!!
written by michael G, August 17, 2009

mbaga :evil: i think you cant distinguish between emotions and intellect.actually u sound like a non ugandan with no clear origin otherwise u would respect people's geneology irrespective of where.have u heard of "rumurs" like resource distribution demographics?.population productivity?regional imbalance?man God forbid otherwise u nid to get informed alot

Lakwena - Living in denial is false consciousness
written by James Basudde, August 17, 2009

Lakwena,

Thanks for this reply. I could not have written a better expose of your feelings of inferiority and total lack of respect for--let me be very, very charitable--culture.
Are your people so, so backward that you truly believe you were next to monkeys before the Arabs abd British came? Can you actually be literate and, at the same time, be so utterly igonrant of history?
I've never been north, but I can't believe anyone sould be as primitive as you think you are.

...
written by James Basudde, August 17, 2009

Lakwena,

Thanks for this reply. I could not have written a better expose of
your feelings of inferiority and total lack of respect for--let me be very, very charitable--culture.
Are your people so, so backward that you truly believe you
were next to monkeys before the Arabs and British came? Can you actually be literate and, at the same time, be so utterly igonrant of history? I've never been north, but I can't believe anyone could be as primitive as you think you
are. Give your people a little credit.

Reply
written by Imhotep, August 17, 2009

Lakwena, do not deceive yourself that you love the Baganda. Your kind were in power for almost 20 years, and all we got were extra-judicial ****ings and Kiganda-bashing songs. It is an insult to start patronising them. If you go to Kenya the same things are said about the Kikuyus, if you go to Azania, the same story goes for the Zulus! So, it is not a one off. I highly doubt you vsit your home seldom visit if ever. You cannot advise the Ganda on how to govern themselves when your kind are wallowing in underdevelopment. Your intellect would be better served by coming up with ideas of how to stop the rot in Acholi land. That is what federalism is all about! I would also ask that you take Okello along with you.

-1

Continued!
written by Imhotep, August 17, 2009

"Pride comes before a fall". This is a fallacy coming from an Acholi. Buganda educated all your sons including your highly esteemed Olara Otunnu. Baganda are the most hospitable people around there. You claim to have done a survey of all Baganda intellectuals, and they claimed the Monarchy to be defunct! Who told you that this minority speaks for all!? Besides these surveys would be better served if conducted in your region, asking people for ideas on how to develop themselves. This is not to sound pompous, but if we all catered for where we come from, how far would we be!? I guess very far. So, please rechannel your pontifications to your own people and you'll see where you get to.
Hotep.

-1

Forgot this!
written by Imhotep, August 17, 2009

"Look at Nsibambi Makubuya and Bukenya! Can they lead Uganda?" Why don't you rephrase this to, "look at Mao, Olara and Moses Ali! Can they lead Uganda? Why you people keep on belittling the Ganda without taking a critical analytical view at yourselves beggars belief! You led the country for 2 decades, where did you lead it? Into the gutter, i will answer that for you. Must one even remind you!? Your amnesia is quite critical if we have to! Worse than that of Museveni and his cohorts! The Ganda shall surely assume political power, not because they are proud, but because they are a patient people. Instead of preaching unity, you keep on saying this and the other about the Ganda. We shall show you how to unify a nation my sister. Africa doesn't need this jingoistic attitude! What she needs is togetherness.

Logical Inference?
written by Peter, August 17, 2009

Republicanism failed for 42 years, therefore federalism is good.

Two lessons needed: logic analysis and political history.

...
written by Paul, August 17, 2009

What a piece of crap! Have you forgotten that your current king is from Acholi. You cannot even produce a ganda king and you say what? Haven't you found anybody from buganda suitable to be your king? If you cannot even get a ganda tribal chief from amongst yourselves, do you expect to run the whole country. You are lucky we have enough acholis to go round.

There is this bull about independent buganda at te time of independence. If you felt adequate in your buganda, why then were you ganging up with UPC to win the elections at independence? You should have been contented just running buganda affairs.

...
written by Paul, August 17, 2009

This only shows that the so called independent buganda was crap. No wonder Obote played you on your insatiable greed and later turned against you. You wanted an independent Buganda to be in charge of the independent Uganda. This is what people are saying, differently. You still want to do the same now. Rev. Kasibante, this is not pride of the baganda. It is greed. The class system of the baganda society where some people are referred to as baami, bakopi, the royals, etc, you want to extend to the rest of Uganda, where you envisage the rest of the Ugandans as inferior. That is why baganda are craving for the crap called federo.

Paul-Mbaga-Lakwena
written by James Basudde, August 18, 2009

How sad that you waste so much energy in wishing for Buganda's downfall when you could be channeling it to advance your regions. If Buganda vanished tomorrow, you'd still be backward.
If you understood that your lack of progress has nothing to do with Buganda's dvelopment, that it is, in fact, your lack of confidence in yourselves that's keeping you back,
you'd start to see that there can be future for your respective regions, and that, individually and collectively, you can make a difference, whether it's Ankole, Lango, or whatever.

For the sake of not only your regions, but Uganda and Africa,
don't let collective backwardness be
the goal to strive for. Do something for yourselves, and all this hatred and jealousy, will go away over time.

...
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

Ssebo Basudde,
I or we from other parts of Uganda have never suffered any inferiority complex as you are trying to imply. Besides, I think you misunderstood me when I said there are still Ugandans and Baganda inclusive, who still spend most of their days and lives picking their noses on anthills as they guard their crops from vermin. That does not mean they are less human. Only that nothing much has changed to improve their living condition. Otherwise, if you are honest and objective enough with yourself, you don't need to leave Kampala and go North, Kalangala or far South to see how backward and primitive most Ugandans live. Just go to Katanga, Bwaise, Kalerwe, Kisenyi, and any slum around Kampala: the people live a more fifthly and wretched life than someone in Pader. Does that make these less educated Baganda more civilized or sophisticated than Okiror in Katakwi? No. Basudde, look at the human condition; please get your head out of the sand. We live in a very miserable country or Continent if you wish.

...
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

you head out of the sand and begin to see reality. Otherwise, to use your Kampala mayor, Nassar Sebagala's speak; you are becoming "a laughing stone"!

Calm down Imhotep and Basudde
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

Calm down Mw. Imhotep, Mao, Olara Otunu, Moses Ali and all the Os are made of different materials. Unlike Nsibambi, Bukenya or Makubuya who are spineless; these lot can stand up politically and face Museveni in broad daylight without fear or favor. Can Nsibambi, Bukenya and Makubuya contradict Museveni even when he is dispossessing Buganda of all valuable land? Never! They only play second fiddle. They are despicable, obsequious balebesis who only think of their stomach. E.g. if Nsibambi as a rtd professor of political science had taken advantage of the power of number in Buganda, he should have been the next president since 2001. But he is a political coward like most Baganda politicians. For a change as an Acholi I will vote for any Muganda. Get it from me Bacholi don't hate Baganda, neither ordinary baganda nor the Kabaka hates Bacholi. It's only Imhotep and Basudde who hate Bacholi. Go it alone friends.

Thank you for the Education
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

Thank you Mw. Imhotep for the education. Unfortunately I don't know what type of education you are talking about, and who designed the curriculum. In any case, now that we think and reason better than the teacher; it is a job well done. Besides the Acholis now have the highest "real" (not from Katanga and Nkuruma Rd) per ca pita PhD holders in Uganda. I hope you have thanked the British for the same. Please stop your misinformation. All Africans are hospitable. If the Acholi are barbarians how come they hosted (hid) Kabaka Mwanga and Kabalega when they were pursued by the British, but unfortunately betrayed by the Langi. Know your history before you become "a laughing stone" like Ssebagala the Mayor.

Folks no insults please
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

Folks especially Mr. Okello,
You don't need to insult nobody to make a point. Otherwise insults are signs that you have run out of constructive ideas and emotionally fragile. Like Museveni, he insults his adversaries not because he is better than them, but because he cannot objectify himself on intellectual credentials. Insulting others can appeal to dimwits and tonto drunkards but not intellectual and moral construction giants.

...
written by Lakwena, August 19, 2009

Basudde,
There is no such a thing as wishing Baganda a fall. Buganda fell long time ago. But if that is your thinking then so be it. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you didn't know, in your self-righteousness Baganda fell on their swords long time ago in the 1966 blunder. Talk to Lukongwa Binaisa before he dies. It is high time the elite Baganda began to educate their people to accept the fatal mistake their predecessors made; in order to begin to redeem Buganda. It is human to err, but to live in denial is self-deception and also destruction. Self-righteousness is a mortal sin. Mind you even to insult others "stupid" is a sin.

Biased Reporting
written by M. Kibuka, August 19, 2009

Mw. Mucoori seems to be a UPC diehard. As a professional journalist, he ought to be impartial. All evidence he presents is what you can easily get from Uganda house about the events of 1966. Mw. Mucoori is totally silent about the crimes that Mw. Obote committed that led to the Kingddom's decision; Mw. Mucooori is conveniently silent about the case that was before court in this regard, as he is totally ignorant about the arrests that Mw. Obote made against his own cabinett ministers in this same matter. For that reason this reporting should be treated with the contempt that it deserves. Read http://www.federo.org/ for a more informed analysis about the 1966 events.

...
written by James Basudde, August 19, 2009

Lakwena,

What you describe about Bwaise, Kalerwe, et al is poverty, squalor, and not primitivism. The difference is similar to equating education with civilization. People, in other words, can live in squalor, but be cultivated. Do not think materialism; rather, think culture. An thug can buy a pajero, for instance, and live in kololo--or even Pader, but be a brute--culturally speaking, of course.

...
written by James Basudde, August 19, 2009

Thanks for this, Paul,
Your note is what precisely I mean that having education does not mean that the person is civilized.

It is a pity, because I doubt if you can even fathom the distinction.

...
written by James Basudde, August 19, 2009

"...but to live in denial is self-deception and also destruction."

Which explains your station in life.

JB

PhDs per capita!
written by Imhotep, August 19, 2009

My hon. friend Lakwena, you haven't come back to me on how to comb your area for ideas on how to develop it! Better still why not consult these PhD holders that you talk of. People that have been educated just to do a job and nothing more. Have you not realised that it is the educated that have kept Africa behind, or even your region? The education i mention earlier was a point in check to show you how far the Ganda went to try and accommodate everyone, yet they are always kicked in the back side. I also asked you about the 2 decades your ilk spent in power without any tentative development. You are the reason why we have people like Museveni, because Obote reneged on his word. You are a very intelligent individual Lakwena because you sound it. Our intellect would be better served if we engage it in developing our own areas first before we can advise the others how to move forward.
Hotep.

You speak well Lakwena.
written by Imhotep, August 19, 2009

Indeed Lakwena you speak very well about the aforementioned Baganda. But actually i only meant to give it like you did. I do not support these fellows at all. If anything they are the reason why Buganda is not moving forward. You must understand that Museveni is a man who needs people that worship him, not those that are going to tell him of his nakedness. And am sure there is a few of your people that are in his govt just to do that i.e Atubo. I am never in the business of picking on people because they are from a particular tribe. All i know is that for Buganda to forge forward, she needs federo. What does Acholli need!? We can all gain a lot if we go back and integrate with our own before we integrate with others. And thanks for the homage you gave to our Kabaka if what you say is true.

Self-screeching parody Okello
written by Imhotep, August 19, 2009

Okello you remind me of a commentator who normally analyses premiership games. Many times he speaks as though the audience was not watching! That is why the description, self-screeching parody. My friend, what exactly are you talking about, because i do not understand a thing! You are using a scatter-gun approach on issues that need to be approached systematically. With panache. You keep on denigrating people, which shows a probably not well-rounded education. Am i correct? Guess i am. I wonder, how come Lakwena has better qualities than you my friend!? I thought Acholli was a somewhat closed community! Am afraid i cannot come down to your level of thought. Am sorry.

To Paul
written by Imhotep, August 19, 2009

Paul my dear friend, Buganda is a state of mind, not the buildings you see. If she has to be ruled by a white man as her king, so be it. It goes to show her advancement in the leadership faculty. You say that Obote turned on us, but have you taken the time to look at the repurcussions this has caused? The war in the north. Are we going to be on some kind of rollercoaster ride, whereby people keep turning against the Ganda and getting it rough for the next 20 years!? No my friend we do not need this. If you think that it is laughable to have an Acholi king, you must be one of the biggest woofs around. Tell me, what have you got where you come from? Do you have a king, a chief? Or are you leaderless?

...
written by Paul to Imhotep, August 19, 2009

Look here Imhotep, I am from Buganda, and I am ow'engabi, if you must know. But it is sickening to read about all the crap about archaic kingdoms which you're advancing. Any society which does not treat its citizenry equally has no place in the present-day politics. And even if buganda were given the federo now, it would be the beginning of a series of problems. Because now Nakasongola would wish to opt out, ditto Bugerere, etc. The Buganda mapping as it is now was done by colonialists, and it left some communities discontented. And they are bound now by the central govt.
People are enlightened now! And any system that is inherently undemocratic is bound to have repacursions. Stop deluding yourself that governance issues will be solved with the system at Mengo. Wake up. Buganda administrations historically are fascist. I mean there are parallels between Mwanga and Amin for instance. They are both certified mass murderers. They were both dictators. They were both whoremongers. They were both populist, snatching people's properties and giving them to their cronies. The list is long. So you expect even someone who flunked P7 to support such a system? Imbeciles, perhaps. Not me. And to answer your question: I am republican. I don't want to hear about that crap from Mengo, and I am a muganda. Not all baganda love it.

...
written by Paul to Imhotep, August 19, 2009

are both certified mass murderers. They were both dictators. They were both whoremongers. They were both populist, snatching people's properties and giving them to their cronies. The list is long. So you expect even someone who flunked P7 to support such a system? Imbeciles, perhaps. Not me. And to answer your question: I am republican. I don't want to hear about that crap from Mengo, and I am a muganda. Not all baganda love it.

...
written by Lakwena, August 20, 2009

Mw. Imhotep,
Your concept of development is very egocentric alias ethnocentric. These centric ism is what is destroying the cohesiveness of Uganda as a country. The ego and ethnocentric development, the one's you are advocating for, focuses on "my duty is to seek my own good and my tribe (Baganda) or Ngabi clan's good, exclusively disregarding all else" (the bacholi, badokolo etc. good). Therefore you wantonly use taxpayers' money to develop yourself, your immediate family, educate and promote clan/tribes mates to the highest offices possible. This is only if "your own good" is best guaranteed; by seeking the good of a few others. so that everything you do is only derivative and conducive to your own well-being. That is not how a country develops Imhotep. Then why do we need a state?

...
written by Lakwena, August 20, 2009

Imhotep,
Please don't blame us for Museveni. You swallowed his domonization of the Northerners, especially the Acholi, bait, hook, line, sinker and even pole. Not knowing he did all the dirty work on Baganda and smeared the blood on us and started pointing finger. Because of that, many innocent Northerners were lynched with car tires burnt around their necks in; Bakuli and elsewhere. E.g. FEDEMU went north and revenged on innocent people. Now that he is demonizing Baganda as the Sub-imperialists who massacred Banyoro, what do you think? Besides, Baganda votes is the ones that continues to bolster his stay in power. Beside your false fear of the bacholis; you are also paranoid and petrified over what he can do to you, if you don't vote for him come 2011.

...
written by Lakwena, August 20, 2009

Paul,

Without upsetting my new-found friend Imhtep; that is a shocker. Isn't what you have just stated above treason? Please watch your back. There are Mengo fanatics who can't take this lying down.

Two countries in one??!!
written by M. Kibuka, August 20, 2009

There are many people, including our own fountain of honour, who geniunely believe that in federations there exist several countries in one. This is to say that, for example, there are 50 countries in the USA. Else, how do you explain the paranoid assertion that Buganda was a state within a state in the 1962 constitution, and would remain so if granted federo now?!

Let it be known that in a federecioni (federation) power is shared between the central authority and the constituent political units. This power is shared such that certain powers are exclussively for the central government, e.g. external defence, foreign policy, monetary policy etc., while others are exclusively for the regional governments, e.g. education, health, etc. There are yet others that may be shared between both.

It is most desirable for anti-federalists and their ilk to use a more appropraite term such as "asymetrical federalism" where some constituent units may be granted special provisions in certain aspects of their governance. This doesn't make them - how so ever - a state within a state. Visit http://www.federo.org/ for a more comprehensive discussion of federalism in Uganda.

Sycophancy in Bataka????..NO
written by Deo, August 20, 2009

Thanks Mr/Ms Lakwena for your thought.However,iam surprised to hear you talk about sycophancy with the bataka without considering the sycophancy common with the so called liberal politicians.If you have been in Uganda for the past 23 years,you would be the first to call on the bataka to save you from the hegemony the republicans are causing to this country.Look at the RDC's,ministers,NRM MP's.They are mere stooges for the man in power.Though it has been worse with this govt,this has not been the first time Govt officials have been stooges for the siting government.This is an African problem.Just know,Republicanism is a fake entity in Africa...Tell me MR/Ms Lakwena,when did you see the sycophancy in the bataka?let me hope you simply don't hate them and the Baganda they represent.

wasting time
written by Deo, August 20, 2009

Basudde,don't waste your time with this very unlucky fellow Lakwena.You are from two different centuries.While you are in the current century,lakwena is still in the 16th century.You can't understand each other.The man is still engulfed in hatred and luck of basic information.

To Paul
written by Imhotep, August 20, 2009

Is that y u call yourself Paul then!? Subscribing to a western type of democracy meant to develop Africa that gets us no where! Many of you if you look deeper into it, in fact r not Baganda. Buganda means a bundle and to me that means development. You should read the well resaerched works of Dr. C. Williams. The fragmentations we have r what have caused us all this undevelopment. If the Baganda were to excel at how they govern themselves, they would then export this to other parts. Likewise if the Acholis excelled at whatever form of governance they chose, they would export it to us! This business of thinking u r exposed yet in fact what it is is that you are spiritually enslaved is unbelievable. This is disease that inflicts the African today my friend.
Hotep

Continued!
written by Imhotep, August 20, 2009

You r the Baganda that Lakwena mentions in the form of the Nsibambis and the Bukenyas of this world. These people are the biggest threat to Buganda not Museveni!
The history we study in class only goes back to about 600 yrs and there is a reason for that. But individuals like you who have not naturally questioned yourselves y federo was abolished
in preference to a system that only serves the white man and the African bourgousie, are the reason y it will take Africa another 2000 yrs to awaken from its slumber. Just like a hungry goat being taken to greener grazing pastures
but prefers the weeds along the way, you are obstinate in your ways, thinking you are well versed in Buganda history and how best we can go forward, but not refer to history still to ask yourself
why we are not getting anywhere!? Lakwena mistakenly thinks tht am egocentric, but only because as Africans we lost the ability of critical thought, a lack of foresight and the ability to learn from our past. Systems of governance r not static, they evolve.
So if the federo we had in Mwangas days was fascist, we can always reform it. But to think that we can get anywhere with the current system is a fallacy!

Continuation!
written by Imhotep, August 20, 2009

foresight and the ability to learn from our experiences, which I pin down to severe bouts of amnesia. Did you guys for example think tht black Africa gave the West its systems
of governance, its civilisation!? All this was done with good intention, but once they went to the top, all they think of is how to keep us down. And because of the trauma suffered by the
African, he blames himself for his situation. I do not expect u to know this because belive me this information, one wouldn't find in any library on our continent. But nontheless, naturally individuals
have the ability to be skeptic! To think abstractly! It frustrates tht vry few Africans have thse qualities!? Lakwena, if u trully believe tht a Munyankole, in e kind of system you recommend, is going to go to Acholi and develop it for you, your naïvety
lies second to none! But yet I like the way u argue, because it shows someone who hasn't expanded their horizon to historical facts, not because it is your fault, rather, because they have been hidden from you!
Hotep.

We the Jaluos
written by Ogila, August 21, 2009

I must admit that we the Luo are a sorry bunch. Instead of trying to put our house in order, we look around for the best-looking one to try to bring it down!
I mean if you come to Kenya across the border, Kibera is the biggest slum on earth! And it is full of our own. Surely there is enough work there
for us in trying to resettle our people than interloping our sour grapes story on the Ganda! These are a people who seem much organised than anybody around!?
I don't know what the Lakwenas think, but the last time I checked, Northern Uganda is littered with IDPs. We r better off sorting ourselves out than bashing Buganda.
I love Baganda women. They are the best around!

...
written by Lakwena, August 21, 2009

Imhotep,
The Acholis don't expect anything from nobody including Museveni. 23 years we have gone it alone mocked and laughed at. But we have never begged for mercy or anything. But we shall rise out of the ashes. Thru IDP camps Museveni wants the Acholi to go on their knees and beg him for something, but never on our graves. What does not **** you makes you stronger. That is the law of immunization. Museveni and the Banyankole cliques because of their insensitivity towards the rest of Ugandans, have isolated themselves. Let them gorge themselves with public resources until they drop. But just like water wares away the rock, the the weak will undo the mighty It was the Barbarians that brought down the mighty Roman Empire. It was the peasants that slaughtered the King and Queen of France in the French Revolution. It was afande Sergent Doe that deposed President Talbert of Liberia who did what Museveni is now doing. It is a natural process. The day the rest of Ugandans explode with frustration, it will be fury, and no machine guns and tanks will stop it. Unless there is change of heart, as fate will have its way what today shines and glitter of Museveni and his goons will be no more.

...
written by Lakwena, August 21, 2009

natural process. The day the rest of Ugandans explode with frustration, it will be fury, and no machine guns and tanks will stop it. Unless there is change of heart, as fate will have its way what today shines and glitter of Museveni and his goons will be no more.

...
written by Lakwena, August 21, 2009

Ogila,
That is base when you say "I love Baganda women. They are the best around!". So what? You don't have to be vulgar. If you only think with your lower part, how can you face the people who dispossess others and create IDP camps and slums? Besides, we are not a sorry bunch. Poverty and to be impoverished does not make one less human. The record shows in Uganda and Kenya we have a pride to protect. You don't have to become rich by hook or crooks. That's why our character trait is resented, because that's the only way we keep unscrupulous leaders on their toes. But that same character trait to be morally clean like a whistle paid off in form of Obama who has charmed the world out of the blue.

Got Somebody riled!?
written by Ogila, August 21, 2009

Baganda women are definitely the best around, period. Have scrupples in plenty and abound with good manners. Know when to talk, and when they do they talk sense! So there is no need of being presumptuous by thinking of your nether regions when i say they are the "best around". Raila Odinga out here, so far has not lived up to expectations. All huff and puff without punch. As for UG, i thought we were given a chance to lead ie, Obote, Amin, Lutwa! What did we offer!? Charity begins at home my sister Lakwena. As for Obama, i wouldn't read too much into him. His mission is to sell us Africom. To enslave the African even more! Try to critically analyse things, and not just scream at them dear.

To Lakwena
written by Imhotep, August 21, 2009

Lakwena i think i have diagnosed your problem. You blame Museveni plus everybody else all you want for the situation of your pple, yet absolve them for the suffering they caused our nation. I mean what about the issue of Kony? Surely you r not being fair in putting the blame on Museveni alone here. Obote was housed and clothed by the Baganda, given a woman to marry, yet he kikced them in their behind! What do u call that!? Museveni is no saint, but blaming him by you is akin to the fire calling the kettle black! Try and reflect. You need to look inward before looking outward. Bitternes won't get us vry far. Hotep.

...
written by Paul - to Imhotep, August 22, 2009

I am Paul and proud of it. But look, there is nothing you have exported to Bunyoro for instance that you are proud of. History tells us that all we did in foreign lands was plunder. Look at the absentee landlords situation. Consider also that many people even in buganda itself were one time land owners, only to wake up one morning to be told the land belongs to someone else, and that bthey're squatters. Tell me where justice is in that? I am ashamed of that kind of history. I would rather embrace a republican system of governance than your dictatorship which you're advancing.

ogila must have been a virgin for a while
written by okello a learned friend, August 22, 2009

Ogila
Ojame u must have been a virgin for a while n when u brought kenyan money n changed it into ugandan money it was much enough for u pay one of them prostitutes
who on earth does not that them prostitutes r the most materialistic whores on earth go to boston n london ugandan women r known for prostitution n yet all those whores r baganda for example naluginda was met by mutebi as a whore her mother even expanded her trade by moving to the us.
my brother ogila all those women want is that little money u have it will get finished n they will spit at yo face n talk what u have never heard loudly
fore warned fore armed run away before it's late wuuuuuu oh! oh!
okello

History lesson for Lakwena and co!
written by Imhotep, August 23, 2009

Having read ur excerpt titled,"living in denial is false consciousness", Lakwena, I didn't realise u're tht ignorant! To think that our history as black pple
was etched in picking our noses i.e, uncivilised! When u read this on Monday, try to look for a book called,"the destruction of black civilisation", by Chancellor Williams.
I always thought that ur arguments were glaringly naive! Yet its the disease tht inflicts many an African. The so-called monkeylike pple, to use ur words, gave civilisation to e World
my dear. Tht shall be the most powerful book u ever read, more uplifting than the European version of the Black man's bible you read. Hotep.

Al-Hajj
written by Haj Kaggwa, August 23, 2009

Ugandans why are we deceived by dictators all the time?
1. If UK has 3 countries in One Nation; i.e Wales, England and Scotland, and is in peace and development, is world class; the example of all nations, why can Uganda not have a Buganda that has its Kingdom under federo which works well for GB?

2. Not Buganda is not asking for separation from Uganda, it is demanding its birth-right at independence as per Lancaster conference.
3. If one can read Luganda compare how Baganda accept everyone born in Buganda as a Muganda and yet a few politicians have denied Buganda its rightful position just because they control guns, no wonder Uganda will always be at gun-rule until Federo for Buganda is realised, and it does not matter how long it will take, it will one-day be rea;ised.

Abanubbi batongozebwe mu bika by’Abaganda

NASOMA mu Bukedde ow'enjawulo eyafuluma nga August 31 olw'okukuza amatikkira ga Ssaabasajja Kabaka aga 16 nga waliwo ebika ebiteekateeka okutongozebwa oluvannyuma lw'okudibya ebimu ebitakyalimu bantu.

Ku lw'obulungi bw'okwegatta kwa Buganda, Uganda ne Afirika yonna, nze omu ku batawagira kutondawo bika na mawanga amalala. Ndowooza nti kuba kukecula mu Baganda, Bannayuganda n'Abaddugavu bonna obugujuguju. Naye olw'obwenkanya, tosobola kuziba kkubo abantu ababa baagala okwetengerera lye baba bakutte bwe kiba ddala nga kyetaagisa.

Wabula waliwo ebika ebyali byatongozebwa endagaano ya 1900 we yakolerwa, kyokka ate nga tebiweddeewo, naye nga bizze byerabirwa bannnyinibyo ne balowooza nti baboolebwa era awo we wava bannabyabufuzi okubakozesa batwekutuleko. Mu bika ebyo mwemuli ekya Engabi Emmooli. Luno lwe lwabanga olulyo olulangira olwafugwanga obwali obwakabaka bwa Bwera kati Mawogola olwekutula ku kika ky'Ababiito abaafuganga e Bunyoro ne lwegatta ku Buganda era Ssaabasajja Kabaka n'abatongoza obutaka bwabwe e Bulera n'e Kyebando mu Mawogola gye baagabana Mayiro. Omukulu w'ekika kyabwe aliko ye Mutaka Muntu Frank Museveni akaayanira obwami obw'essaza lya Muteesa e Mawogola oba waakiri okwebuuzibwangako nga Kabaka alonda abaami b'ennono mu saza eryo, okutongozebwa ng'omukulu wa Engabi Emmooli ow'akasolya era n'okutuulanga mu lukiiko lw'abataka ab'obusolya.

Ndowooza era nti Abanubbi abaaleetebwa Capt.Fredrick Lugard mu 1890, kati emyaka 119 egiyise, ate nga bawulize nnyo eri Ssaabasajja Kabaka, nga kino baakiragidde e Bombo ku Lwokusatu nga July 12, ku mukolo gw'okukuza olunaku lw'abavubuka mu nsi yonna, poliisi bwe yagaanye okukuba ekitiibwa kya Buganda, kyokka bo ne bakiyimba, basaanidde okutongozebwa ng'ekika. Eky'omukisa omulungi Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa ll yabawa eggombolola e Bombo mu saza ly'e Bulemeezi era mu lukiiko e Mengo baakkiikirirwanga Mustafa Ramadhan oluvannyuma eyafuuka Minisita ku Idi Amin.

Issa Koma, Bombo.

Inclusive vs Exclusive
written by JAFFAR AMIN, August 23, 2009

With due Respect to the 1900 Colonialist Agreement:

Does Feudalism belong in a Democratic State in the 21st Century?

What Privileges are we demanding for?

Where is Our Nationhood.

What are the Two Currencies of the Future and of the Distant past?:

Water and Crude Oil.

Do we see ourselves as a Nation?.

The Length of the Western Rift Valley from the Mountain of the Moons , Lake Albert right upto the furthest ends of North Western Uganda is sitting on our resourceful Future Crude Oil and the Prevailing Drought from Climate Change shows signs that Water will continue to be the Great Catalyst it has always been..Buganda has plenty of Water...What we see are the Regions Positioning perilously on the Brink.....

What choice does Buganda have Inclusiveness in Nationhood "Uganda" or the Great Feudalist Tradition of Parochial Exclusivity in the 21st Century.

Long Live the Kabaka MII of Buganda to understand the lessons of Inclusive Nationhood.

Long Live Democracy in Uganda to utilize the two resources Crude Oil and Water amicably and not Exclusively.

For God and My Country ;...not OUR Pockets...

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written by a guest, August 24, 2009

Imhotep and Basudde,
I think I have given up on you two because you all lack comprehension. You have eyes that don't see, ears that don't listen. i.e. blind like bats and deaf like telephone posts. You all understand things literally. You just don't get it. When I say many Ugandans including Baganda live in primitive conditions, you think about monkeys. When I say Museveni is the cause of blood bath in Great Lake region you talk about Obote and Kony. Don't you have a simple logic in your heads to know the law of cause and effect? E.g. if a naught boy threw a stone into a beehive and the bees killed children and a few adults in the neighborhood do you still blame the bees? Get real.

It is you Anonymous that doesn't get it mate!
written by Imhotep, August 24, 2009

I would rather turn that statement around to say it is you that is skewed in your analysis. You do not tell people that they lack cohesion, when it is quite clear that you lack it in spades and buckets! You Acholis want us to forget what you did to us and instead focus on Museveni, but actually what we r saying is, you are the reason this man came to power. And you r just as culpable considering the murders you committed. We cannot keep on blaming the pot for being black while praising the fire for making it so! Unlike you, we refuse to willingly suffer from amnesia. Get that first and then talk abt whatever you like.

Mr
written by atukunda, August 24, 2009

I think the problem with Museveni is that he is a literate president that Uganda has enjoyed. This is not tobsay that Obote was not learnt but Museveni likes to debate and that is why we usualy see him writting articles in Newspapers and debating on some issues that other presidents Uganda had did not do. He some times does it as a person but because he is apresident people think he has given a directive.

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written by atukunda, August 24, 2009

This some how bad but let us think and believe that Museveni like any other Ugandan has a say and can debate freely like the likes of Onyango Obbo, Ofonno Opondo , Kamyas anda Besigye. So what ever he says is not a directive and I think that it should not be taken like so. More again is that Museveni on Bafuruki he made a mistake because some Banyoro thought that he was saying Bakiga anad other people that are not Banyoro should leave Bunyoro that was unfortunate.

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written by atukunda, August 24, 2009

Support him to broaden the debate and make it enjoyable rather than deciding for him on what to say and what he says to give it a meaning. I do not also supprot the Bafuruki thing in Bunyoro and if he says so where will Bafuruki in Buganda go will the leadership positions in Buganda left to Baganda anda any Munyoro who becaomes aMinioster to be aMinister of Banyoro not for Uganda? A big question to ask Minister Mr NATIVE Kasaija

leave Buganda alone
written by kiwanuka, August 25, 2009

The issue of Buganda should be left to Baganda alone.
Non-baganda can continue enjoying the land our Baganda ancestors left behind but it should not be taken for granted.
If your ancestors did not leave enough land for you then appreciate those giving you selter

Engineer
written by Kiliggwajjo Flights, August 30, 2009

Matsiko Mukooli your article is full of distortion right from what you're claiming to have transpired since 1960s. First you should understand that the Kabaka was the head of state and was entitled to a sizeable number of soldiers and guns for his protections purposes.

The Kabaka mutesa Never stocked up guns and invite all able-bodied people to come and start military trainings as a preparaion of war between mengo and central government. That allegations was only made by obote in order to justify his barbaric actions to attack the Lubiri. you went on to say that Museveni faulted to restore the monarchy, yet obote had already solved that question many years back.

But if obote had solved hat issue, then why is it that he was overthrown twice ? and have you ever taken time to ponder why museveni started his war in buganda ? when he is not a muganda and there are other parts of the country like western, northern and eastern especially western where he could have fited easily.

You reckon museveni would have won had it not been buganda throwing all its support in return after capturing power to restore former Buganda glory.
You talk about nationalism, but does museveni has the moral authority to claim championing it when he has made virtually all government posts to be held by westerners !

There is no Full army general from any other part of uganda, do you think that we're so naive to believe that this is a coincidence rather that a deliberate move to entrench one particular tribe in power.
as long as there is no fairness in the distribution of the national resources, then bugande deems it right to mange it's own affairs because history has proved that there is no reader who cares about other parts of the country when he/she gets to the power.

All we want is the devolution of power like uk did to scotland and wales. Uganda can never be a better place when we refuse those who want to manage thier own affairs under the pretext of nationalism when the same leaders are praticing sectarianism like museveni doing now.

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written by Lakwena, August 31, 2009

Imhotep,
I thought I wouldn't get back to you because of your inability to comprehend objective ideas. But may be you need help because your prejudice against the Acholi is of a pathological nature. For example, when you say, "you are (we the Acholis) the reason this man came to power." What does that mean, how did the Acholi who rejected Museveni from day one be the same reason for him to come to power? Yet your Kabaka Mutebi II and all his subjects, you inclusive worshiped and gave Museveni a Red Carpet welcome. You gave him Luwero as launch pad. When he again launched his third term project, you danced yourselves silly; draped in bisanja like witches. All this took place when the rest of Ugandans watched in dismay at your banality. Even the Banyankole from where the man hails where amazed at your folly. Only until recently that he started urinated on you that you have woken up to blame the Acholi. In 1996 all the Acholis and Northerners in general voted for a Muganda, Paul Semogerere, but all the Baganda voted for Museveni. How unpatriotic Baganda can be, even against their own is mind boggling. That was the golden chance to have a Muganda President, but you flunked. Imhotep, what do you want?

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written by Lakwena, August 31, 2009

the Acholis and Northerners in general voted for a Muganda, Paul Semogerere, but all the Baganda voted for Museveni. How unpatriotic Baganda can be, even against their own is mind boggling. That was the golden chance to have a Muganda President, but you flunked. Imhotep, what do you want?

-1

Know the difference between a king and a clown
written by Lakwena, August 31, 2009

Imhotep (Amenhotep),
I am sorry to say this ; the Baganda don't know what they want. They are like little kids. For example kids don't know the difference between a juicy cake and a ban (omwana-akaba); however many times you give them a choice, they only look at the size not value. In other words, you just don't know the difference between a king and a clown (dikula). The day the Baganda start making the right choices, it will be the time to stop blame game.

We shall not forget. Period.
written by Inhotep, September 01, 2009

Lakwena, i really do not know which era you leave in. Much as i want Africa to unite, it cannot unite while people of your ilk keep on denying the wrongs you did to another people. I vividly remember the menacing road blocks at which one could easily lose their lives for not having a cigarette to bribe the soldiers. If you go to places such as Mexico, the only way they could be able to move away from their horrid past was through a truth and reconciliation process. For as long as you deny your wrongs, you are basically denying yourselves the opportunity to ever govern a nation called Uganda. You keep on besmirching Museveni, but you are in the same boat as him. Literally.

Baganda Risking the Kingdom
written by Balmoitido, September 12, 2009

What my fellow Baganda friends must understand is that until they accept to be Ugandan Nationals first, they will always run head-on with the government...no matter what government. It started with the British in the early 1900s, then the mid 1900s; followed by Kiwanuka's Govt about 1960; Obote's government in the mid 1960s and now Museveni's Govt. And by the look of things, a deadly clash with Museveni's Govt is looming very soon. What the Baganda should seriously consider is whether their demands, attitudes and actions do not risk the very Kingdom restored by Museveni against all advice.

Baganda Risking the Kindom (condt)
written by Balmoitido, September 12, 2009

At first it was the British my fellow Baganda blamed, then it was the DP, UPC and Obote, the Northerns etc. How comes the Baganda keep blaming others and not once considering that they are the actual cause of problems. What is happening now is what led to all the problems above and the 1966 Crisis. Why should Kabaka Mutebi want to visit disputed areas. From history, we know that those areas were part of Bunyoro Kingdom which the British gave Buganda because of the latter's conniving with the British in fighting Bunyoro Kingdom's resistance to colonization. Bunyoro and the indigenous Banyoro in those areas want to be back to Bunyoro. If Buganda has the right to demand its land from the central Govt, then why can't Bunyoro and Banyoro demand their land maliciously given to Buganda? What is good for the gander is good for the goose!

Baganda Risking the Kingdom (contd)
written by Balmoitido, September 12, 2009

When Baganda realize that they are Ugandan nationals first, then there will be peace just like the rest of the other Kingdoms and the country. The Federo demand is just a ploy Buganda is using. Whereas I agree that Buganda Kingdom should be given back its land and properties by the Govt, the Bunyoro Kingdom's land and properties should also go back form Buganda and the Govt. Buganda should not try impose itself on the counties or areas originally part of Bunyoro. The Kabaka can go and celebrate its Youth Day in other parts of Buganda other that the disputed areas.

Get this right guys
written by Watcher, October 16, 2009

Uganda is not a nation. Uganda is a country with many nations. The nations were there way back before the colonialists came. The colonialists artificially made this country. In addition, this is why we have these problems..

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written by mr. anonymous, October 17, 2009

cannt we all jsut get along...i wonder what the baganda have done to other tirbes for them to be this agitated. So what if they have their own kingdom? will that make u any less of a mukiga, munyoro, munyarwanda et al..or at worst any less of a human being? Fine make known ur kingdoms too...the most importan thing is respect for one another and getting along. Let those who are proud of their heritage act accordingly. Don't hate, congratulate...jeez

self determination
written by Watcher, October 20, 2009

Self-determination, this is what Buganda is looking for. What's wrong with it? If other regions prefer to be determined by someone other than themselves, let them be, because that’s what they want. Buganda shouldn't decide for others, likewise others shouldn't decide for Buganda. That’s a fare play.

"Federo"
written by John Mwesigwa, November 13, 2009

NO "FEDERO" smilies/angry.gif

-1

Federo For What? All We need is Freedom!
written by Twakoowa, November 13, 2009

Self-determination, democracy, Secession, that's freedom. That's what Buganda needs and will get eventually. Federo is pathetic, keeps us tied to peoples we don't understand or stand.
FREEDOM NOW!

BUGANDA IS FREE TO DECIDE WHAT THEY NOW WANT.
written by rev j musisi, December 15, 2009

The issue of an independent Buganda shouldn't have been a problem even before the Obote's attack on the Lubiri in 1966 that resulted into the demise of the then Buganda Kingdom by the later's crafty means,it came as a result of religious divisions eg catholics vs protestants that Mengo made a dangerous mukago or alliance with upc leaving a huge wide open gap for Obote to exploit.
Baganda should watch, the same scenario is almost haunting us today we need to make a total unity towards our independance lets remember that we got ours before that one of Uganda on the 8th october 1962 we freely joined the rest of Uganda we now need to ask for a referendum among ourselves wheather we would like to continue with this dangerous marriage with what is called Uganda or not?

Riding on Buganda's back?
written by Mamba, February 09, 2010

Is Buganda a problem to Uganda? I wonder what Buganda would look like if she was running freely without anyone on her back. I wonder what Uganda without Buganda would look like. If Buganda secedes from the rest of Uganda, will the country be a better place and will it still hold its name?

Capital city
written by Mamba, February 09, 2010

If the capital could be transferred to a region other than Buganda, then Uganda and Buganda would be less of each other's problem.

let it go
written by kanyike, February 09, 2010

The majority of non baganda responces are that Buganda is the source of all problems that uganda has, let us be realist if you had a cancerous toe and it is the cause of your pain what do you do it ? Cut it off and am sure in no time you will feel better. so if it is Buganda why dont you do away with it. some of you argue that you have been paying taxes that have devoloped kampala, fine let Buganda go take on uganda's external debt and also come up with a figure that it has pay to pay to unitary state. i bet in time so many of you will trying so hard to join buganda

BUGANDA AS A PROBLEM ? OH, NO!
written by Zziwa K, February 12, 2010

The problems with our leaders from Obote up to date is one. They keep on complaining that Buganda was heaped with many preavilages at the expence of other areas of Uganda. So with that as if it is a crime of our making, they try by all means possible to pull us down so that we come to the level of lowest. When we try to resist they brand us with things like sectarian, tribalistic, fudalistic, retrogressive etc.
It seems this situation will never change until Federo is granted to those who cherish it

Buganda as a nation
written by Mamba, February 12, 2010

A historian Swedish friend of mine told me that if Buganda had stood alone as a nation after independence, it could have been at the level of Sweden by now. He said, Buganda's primitive civics before colonialism would have developed to modernity after colonialism. The civic institutions were there way back before the colonialists.

I would like to hear some comments from other non-Ugandans on this.

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written by St. Balikuddembe, March 30, 2010

I am tired of this argument! I have decided to go back to where I came from; to my father who art in heaven of course. I have left this earth for you greedy-, power hungry-, hateful-people. When you come knocking at my door in heaven, I will burn your hands with fire!!!! So you better not try coming to heaven. Commit all the sins so that you don't come disturbing my peace!

Mamba, Highly unlikely would Buganda be at the level of Sweden
written by Dian Kenneth (Dr), March 30, 2010

You need to understand how the global politics & global trade play to conclusively say any African nation or tribe would be at the level of development of Sweden had there been no unification. To the global powers, Africans are Africans, black people whose black skin taints the goods they produce, whose black skin means "dirt" for the average white-man! Therefore high tariffs should be imposed on goods coming from Africa. Africans who are only good enough to live on handouts not as trade partners! I could go on and on. I do not think Buganda kingdom, as an African kingdom, would have escaped this global isolation of Africa.

Mamba, highly unlikely.... continued from above
written by Dian Kenneth (Dr), March 30, 2010

I do not want to actually talk about tribal politics, but I think the prominent role Buganda has played in Uganda's politics with the capital city of Uganda located in Buganda has helped Buganda develop more than retard its progress. Development is not just about good governance, but also about natural and human resources, and access to the global markets for the goods (which I am afraid is still denied to Africans). There are kingdoms in Africa and indeed elsewhere in the world that are well organised and independent but have never reached the level of development of Sweden. Then you ask yourself "why?"