Ssabanyala campaigns for Museveni 2016 bid
What you need to know:
Allegations. Cultural leader of the Banyala community claims Museveni’s opponents lack ideas that can transform the country
KAYUNGA.
Although the law bars cultural leaders from engaging in partisan politics, the Ssabanyala, retired Capt Baker Kimeze, has urged army veterans in Kayunga District to support President Museveni’s candidature in next year’s elections.
He claimed Mr Museveni is the only leader who can address their grievances.
The Ssabanyala made the remarks while addressing retired soldiers who met him at his palace in Kyerima village, Kitimbwa Sub-county on Tuesday.
The cultural leader of the Banyala community said Mr Museveni’s opponents lack ideas that can transform the country.
“You should not deviate and support politicians like Amama Mbabazi. It is only Museveni who can pay you the gratuity that you are still demanding from government,” the Ssabanyala said.
He criticised politicians and other people who claim that President Museveni has done nothing for the country. He said such people are “blind” and even suggested they be taken for medical check-up.
However, Ms Josephine Mayanja-Nkangi, the communications director for Amama Mbabazi election task force, cautioned Capt Kimeze to stick to his cultural work and leave politics to politicians.
“Why is he engaging in politics when he is a cultural leader? Was the law changed and I am not yet aware?” Ms Mayanja wondered.
Capt Kimeze also urged the army veterans to utilise government programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation to fight poverty in their homesteads.
The Ssabanyala called on his subjects to take advantage of their proximity to big markets of Kampala and Jinja to sell their farm produce and improve their livelihoods.
“Parents and elders should counsel youth so that they stop wasting their valuable time in gambling and betting. They should use this time to do productive work like farming,” he said.
WHAT LAW SAYS
Article 246 (e) of the Uganda Constitution states that a person shall not, while remaining a tradition leader or cultural leader, join or participate in partisan politics.