Museveni defends Kyabazinga job
Defended. President Museveni hands over a document to the Kyabazinga William Nadiope Gabula IV during the Kyabazinga Day celebrations in Namutumba District last Saturday. PHOTO BY DENIS EDEMA
What you need to know:
Appointed. In the reshuffle and appointment of ambassadors announced two weeks ago, the Kyabazinga was appointed ambassador on special duties in the Office of the President
NAMUTUMBA.
President Museveni has defended his recent decision to appoint the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV as ambassador, Special Duties in the Office of the President, saying the appointment does not contravene any law.
The appointment was received with mostly negative reactions by sections of Busoga stakeholders, including the Busoga Lukiiko, clan heads, politicians and other members of the public who interpreted it as their king being dragged into ‘dirty’ politics.
They also argued that the appointment was belittling the Kyabazinga who is not supposed to work for anybody.
However, President Museveni while officiating at the function to mark 78 years of Kyabazingaship in Namutumba District at the weekend, said the Kyabazinga will not be breaching any law while serving in the position.
“I am the one who restored the cultural leadership so I know the law very well. Therefore, I know that Kyabazinga can serve in this position without conflicting with the law,” the President said.
He said the doctrine that cultural leaders do not work is a myth that people should shun, and that Uganda cultural leaders have been seen spearheading work for development, a practice that should be emulated here.
“In Russia, there was a king called Peter the Great who mobilised fellow Royal Chiefs to start making ships that led to industrialisation of Russia and when I remembered this story I also thought of using the Kyabazinga to do so,” he added.
The Busoga Lukiiko, the top decision-making organ of the kingdom issued a statement advising the king to turn down the appointment arguing that it is unconstitutional and that kings are not supposed to work.
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Mr Museveni said those who believe that he made a bad decision to appoint the Kyabazinga as an ambassador are free to talk because everyone is entitled to have an opinion. He said he could not afford leaving out Prince Nadiope for a job in his government given his brilliance and education accomplishments.
The Kyabazinga in his speech emphasised unity, transparency and accountability in the kingdom by the stakeholders.
