Mengo calls off Kabaka’s Kayunga visit

KAYUNGA- Buganda Kingdom officials have called off a planned visit by Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II, to Kayunga District, citing “insufficient organisation”.

The kingdom Minister for Information, Mr Noah Kiyimba, denied on Friday claims by Banyala leaders that the visit had been cancelled, insisting it was postponed.

“The Kabaka had a busy schedule this month, so we decided to postpone the event and hold it after the Kabaka’s coronation anniversary in July,” Mr Kiyimba said. “The postponement has nothing to do with the Banyala opposition to the visit.”

Mr Kiyimba did not, however, give a specific date when the postponed annual kingdom event would be held.

The Kabaka was scheduled to preside over the kingdom’s Annual Health Day in Kayunga District on May 22.

However, some Banyala leaders who were opposed to the visit, said the Kabaka was not supposed to  go to Bbaale County, where they [Banyala] have their headquarters.

Mengo, had, however, rejected the demands by the Banyala and went ahead with the preparations for the visit by erecting arches in several townships in Bbaale County.

Several arches, were, however, pulled down by unknown people at night.

The Banyala leaders denied being behind the act. Police said they were investigating the matter.

Bugerere County chief, Mr James Ssempigga, in a letter to Kayunga Resident District Commissioner,  Ms Rose Birungi regretted the postponement of the visit and asked Kabaka’s subjects to be ready to receive him at a later date.

“I have been informed by the Mugerere [Mengo chief for Bugerere] that the visit had been postponed, as the head of the district security committee, we were ready to ensure that the visit is peaceful,” Ms Birungi said on Friday.

In most parts of Kayunga District, Kabaka’s subjects had started organising blissful pre-Kabaka visit events drumming day and night as construction of arches and other monuments progressed in several areas.

 The Bunyala chiefdom premier, Mr Martin Ssenkatuuka, however, said he was happy that the visit had been postponed saying “Mengo needs to learn to respect other cultural institutions”.

“They had forcefully constructed arches at our headquarters at Bbaale County which was a sign of disrespect. I hope that they will follow the proper procedures by asking the Ssabanyala for permission,” Mr Ssenkatuuka said.

In 2009, riots broke out after the then Katikkiro of Buganda JB Walusimbi was blocked from entering Kayunga District at Ssezibwa Bridge. The blockage followed claims by Banyala leaders that the Kabaka had not sought permission from Mr Baker Kimeze, the Ssabanyala.

Lives and property were lost in resultant riots that spilled to different parts of Buganda.