Busoga officials ask minister to apologise over kingdom anthem

Kamuli.

Busoga Kingdom officials have demanded a public apology from the Regional Cooperation minister for removing the Busoga anthem from the programme during the commissioning of Emirates Academy in Kamuli District by President Museveni on Wednesday.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, the Busoga parliament speaker, Mr George Mutyabule, claimed Minister Asuman Kiyingi, who is also the Bugabula South Member of Parliament, demeaned the Basoga before the President when he, under the guise of a tight programme, removed the singing of the Busoga anthem from the programme yet the National and East African ones were sung.

“We demand a public apology because protocol ignored and disrespected the sovereignty of Busoga Kyabazinga Institution and the Kyabazinga. Not singing the Busoga anthem at Emirates Academy before the President ashamed and demeaned us and we are not taking this lightly,” Mr Mutyabule said.

Directive to schools
Flanked by the Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister, Mr Grace Terwane, Mr Mutyabule urged all schools and institutions in Busoga to have the official portrait of the Kyabazinga and Busoga flag in their offices.

He added that all schools in Busoga sub-region should teach pupils and students how to sing Busoga anthem and ensure that it is sung at all major functions in schools.

However, Mr Kiyingi explained that the anthem was removed due to pressure from the President’s protocol crew to reduce items on the agenda to allow the President deliver his address and move to other areas.

Mr Kiyingo said had no control over the President’s programme.

“I am a bonafide and loyal subject of the Kyabazinga but the President’s programme was crowded. I pledge total allegiance, commitment and respect to the Kyabazinga, Basoga and the institution,” Mr Kiyingi reiterated.