Protesters march to Luttamaguzi’s grave over marginalization in Museveni appointments

Protestors at Kikandwa village in Nakaseke-District cover Lutamaguzi's grave with NRM party T-Shirts and caps. PHOTO BY DAN WANDERA

NAKASEKE- Clad in T-shirts of the ruling National Resistance Movement and singing liberation songs a group of people in Nakaseke District Wednesday have streamed to the grave of the famous war hero Edidian Luttamaguzi at Kikandwa village in Nakaseke District saying their area has been marginalized by the government.
The group of about 500 people was led by Rtd Capt John Kaddu Kavuma.

The protesters went the NRA war memorial monument at Kikandwa village where about 2,600 remains of civilians and combatants were interred after the liberation war in 1989.
They later proceeded to the grave of Luttamaguzi, a war hero celebrated for having saved the life of the then guerilla leader Yoweri Museveni when he concealed his where about from government forces on June 9, 1982.
The protesters say the decision by the NRM Government not to give Nakaseke a ministerial slot in the recent appointments and the lack of tangible projects in an area believed to have greatly contributed to the success of the liberation struggle in disastrous.

“We believe Nakaseke has educated sons and daughters who can be appointed Ministers. Families of the freedom fighters including that of Edidian Lutamaguzi, Vitali Damulira Ssengonzi, George William Lutakome, Lt Masengere Ssalongo who paid dearly for the liberation of Uganda have been forgotten,” Capt John Kaddu said.
Ms Harriet Nabiranda, the LC1 Chairperson for Kikandwa parish said the perception outside Nakaseke is that of an area where government has injected a lot of resources.
She says they are surprised that people claiming to be working for Gen Salim Saleh (President Museveni’s brother) are threatening to evict more than 120 families from four villages in Kikandwa parish.

She said residents of Basenero, Kitoto, Kibubu and Kirema are likely to lose their land.
“Let Afande Salim Saleh come out to clear his name on the pending eviction. His name has been mentioned in all the meetings we have been attending,” Ms Nabiranda said.
The protesters laid a wreath on the grave of the late Luttamaguzi before holding prayers that were led by Pastor Emmanuel Kironde.

Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said residents were free to protest adding that ministerial posts are not about district representation.
“Nakaseke happens to be within the greater Luweero region which has three ministers. We have more than 100 Districts yet the ministerial slots are 80,” he said.
He said the people of Nakaseke should embrace projects that are supported by to transform their livelihoods.