Tension between Buganda, Kooki Chiefdom intensifies

Rakai- Members of the Babiito clan, which rules Kooki Chiefdom, have declared their agreement with Buganda Kingdom is irrelevant due to unresolved issues between the two cultural institutions that have persisted for a decade.

Historically, Kooki was an independent kingdom until 1886, when it was reduced to semi-independent under Buganda, to whom they sought protection against external invasion.

In the agreement signed between the then Kooki ruler (Kamuswaga), Hezekiah Ndawula and the Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, Kooki was infused into the territories of Buganda Kingdom, but with a special status above the other 17 counties.

According to Mr Charles Muliira, the leader of the Babiito clan, despite the existing 132-year-old agreement, they continue being marginalised and disrespected by Buganda officials.

“If one of the parties fails to abide by the agreement, it means the agreement is no more,” Mr Muliira said in an interview on Tuesday.

The chiefdom has previously raised a number of demands to Mengo, one of which is being accorded a special status higher than that of other ssaza (county) chiefs, and to have their throne inside the Mengo Lukiiko hall.

Ignored
Mr Muliira said they have written several letters to Buganda Kingdom to look into their concerns but they have been ignored.
Mr Jude Kitahimbwa, a member of the Babiito Clan, claimed that Buganda Kingdom officials removed Kamuswaga’s throne (Namulondo) inside Buganda’s Lukiiko hall, signalling that they no longer need Kooki’s partnership.

“Mr Mayiga has continued to call our hereditary leader a ‘boy’ which angered most of us and that act totally undermines our Kamuswaga,” he alleged.

The Buganda Kingdom information minister, Mr Noah Kiyimba, said their position on Kooki issues was earlier given by Mr Mayiga while addressing Buganda Lukiiko on December 3.

Buganda responds
While addressing the Lukiiko, Mr Mayiga accused Kamuswaga and some central government officials of fanning tensions between Buganda and Kooki.

“It is really surprising that someone can play childish games against a programme meant to develop Kabaka’s people. I don’t participate in childish games, and I am not someone you can joke around with,” Mr Mayiga told Lukiiko members.

However, he did not directly mention Kooki hereditary leader’s name nor title.
The latest development signals that the rift between the two cultural institutions is far from over.

Kamuswaga is currently touring various parts of the chiefdom to reassert his authority and also launching various development projects. Last week, the Kamuswaga donated 15 sacks of cement to the Lwakaloolo Health Centre II in Ddwaniro Sub-county, Rakai District for renovation. He also gave out two water tanks since the one they had had spent almost six months without functioning.

Hajj Ahmed Kiwanuka, the Kooki chiefdom prime minister said their aim is to develop the people of Kooki as they promote their culture, but not getting involved in conflicts.

Background

Clashes. Last November, police attempted to block Mr Mayiga from visiting Kooki after Kooki royalists held demonstrations protesting his visit.

Last month, Kooki officials were quoted in the media saying they had cut ties with Buganda Kingdom, citing lack of respect and marginalisation.

Two years ago, Kooki officials petitioned government asking it to intervene in its strained relationship with Buganda Kingdom.

In the June 2, 2017 letter, which was addressed to Minster of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Hajjat Janat Mukwaya, who is directly in charge of Traditional and Cultural institutions, Mr Kiwanuka complained that Mengo had continued to undermine Kooki Chiefdom and the Kamuswaga .

In the same petition , Kooki leaders also said that due to continued marginalisation by Mengo, the Kamuswaga had suspended all official representation of Kooki to Mengo until such a time when both parties come to an agreement. Since his enthronement in 2003, reports have been circulating that the Kamuswaga is hatching a plan to secede from Buganda Kingdom, accusing them not honouring the agreement his fore fathers signed with Buganda.

In 2016, the Kooki Council, banned the singing of Buganda anthem in schools and at functions under its jurisdiction. The council also resolved to use English not Luganda. Currently, the chiefdom uses its flag and anthem which are different from those of Buganda Kingdom.

[email protected]