Poll: Government wrong to block the Kabaka’s Kayunga visit

Federal division
Respondents to the survey were also asked whether Uganda should adopt a federal system of governance – a key demand by officials from Buganda Kingdom and a key recommendation from two official public inquiries by Justice Benjamin Odoki and Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa.

Respondents were sharply divided in their responses; some 36 per cent said “no” to a federal system of government compared to 35 per cent who said “yes” but there was a large number of swing respondents – 24 per cent – who said they did not know, while six per cent refused to answer the question. Support for a federal system of government is highest in central region where 56 per cent of respondents support it but opposition to it is highest in the west where 52 per cent are opposed.

Surprisingly, support for a federal system is highest among younger respondents aged 18-25, among wealthier respondents, and in respondents aged 50 and above. Opposition to a federal system of government is highest among the middle-income respondents, respondents in Kampala and those aged between 36 and 40.

Those opposed to a federal system of government were asked to give reasons why. Thirty per cent said it will “bring division among people”; 11 per cent said it will “create tribalism”; eight per cent said the “current system is good”; while the same number said Buganda, which has been the more vocal advocate for federal, will benefit more than other parts of the country.