Mayiga promises to build on predecessor’s success

KAMPALA

The new Buganda premier, Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, has promised to build on what his predecessor, Mr John Baptist Walusimbi, has accomplished to ensure that the kingdom achieves its goals.

Mr Mayiga lauded Mr Walusimbi for his dedicated service, adding that he inspired him to serve under then Ssabataka Supreme Council. “Mr Walusimbi has promoted unity, a basic tenet of the kingdom. There is no doubt that there has been some remarkable progress during his tenure ... despite enormous challenges. I promise to build on his achievements and always consult him,” he said. He made the remarks at a brief handover ceremony on Monday.

The new Katikkiro also said Mr Walusimbi sacrificed money to ensure the restoration of the kingdom in 1993. “During the kingdom’s restoration process, people like me who were at the secretariat of the Ssabataka Supreme Council had no money but it was the likes of Mr Walusimbi and a few others who were facilitating us,” Mr Mayiga said.

Mr Walusimbi served the kingdom for 23 years, first as state minister for finance and later full minister before being appointed Katikkiro. He thanked the Kabaka for accepting his early retirement, promising to remain loyal to him.

“Building a kingdom is not an easy task and whoever is appointed to this office simply comes to put a brick. But I thank the Kabaka who entrusted me with such a huge role and I think I have played my part,” he said. “I am going to call you very soon as I unveil my grand plan for the kingdom,” he said by phone yesterday.

assenkabirwa@ug.nationmedia.com