Mao promises Buganda federal status
Mr Norbert Mao
KAMPALA- The Democratic Party presidential candidate, Mr Norbert Mao, has promised Buganda Kingdom a federal status if he wins the election.
During a courtesy visit at Bulange, Mengo in Kampala yesterday, Mr Mao told journalists that the DP constitution provides for the defending and protection of the country’s traditional institutions.
“DP believes in federalism, the sharing of power between the central government and component states. Federalism has been stigmatised by its enemies who present it as one and the same with monarchism,” he said.
Mr Mao added that federalism is not monarchism but its enemies have tried to make it to appear as only a Buganda issue .
The kingdom has on several occasions asked government to consider the restoration of the federal system.
Mr Charles Peter Mayiga, the Buganda Katikkiro, has previously said the demand arises from the sacrifice and dedication the Kabaka’s subjects and ministers have accorded to the kingdom despite the difficulties, adding that if they had autonomy, Buganda would be restored to its glory.
On kingdom assets
Mr Mao also said they believe that the promises by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to return the kingdom assets and compensate it should not be delayed.
“ It is my view that the king of Buganda also fought in the war that brought NRM in power and is a stakeholder there, for there is no need for him to beg for what he is entitled to,” he said.
Mr Mao added that DP believes that the claims of Buganda are legitimate and can be done through payments, adding that it is possible to do it even through treasury bills .
Mr Mayiga, who was in attendance, said the biggest threat to Uganda since independence is the lack of respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism .
“All the political developments since 1966 and 1967 can be attributed to the different actors who have had little regard on rule of law and constitutionalism,” the kingdom prime minister added.
Mr Mayiga also revealed that even political parties have failed adopt democratic principles and adhere to those party’s constitution and regulations that had destabilised them and disabled them from building strong institutions .
“I urge all political actors to raise the bar and show respect for the law, the building of viable states depend on strong national institution and this should start within the parties,” he said .
About Buganda property
In August 2013, the king of Buganda President Museveni met at Entebbe State House and signed a pact agreeing that kingdom properties be returned to Mengo plus payment of at least Shs6 billion that had accumulated in rent arrears.
In February 2019 President Yoweri Museveni directed government to pay about Shs70 billion to Buganda Kingdom before 2021.
The money was to be paid in two equal instalments in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years.
The President directed that Shs47b be scheduled for payment as compensation for Muteesa House in the United Kingdom.
The statement also said the government would pay the kingdom Shs14.1b for King Fahd Plaza land on Kampala Road
