Tensions rise as Buruli Cultural Institution protests Buganda Kingdom installation
Buruli cultural institution loyalists protest near the Mengo-Kabaka palace in Nakasongola District on December 13, 2024.PHOTO | DAN WANDERA
What you need to know:
- The Buruli cultural institution is opposed to the installation, citing the failure of Mengo to recognise their cultural independence.
A rift between the Buruli cultural institution and Buganda Kingdom loyalists is brewing in Nakasongola District. At the center of the controversy is the planned installation of the Mengo-Buruli County Chief at the Nakasongola-based Mengo palace.
While Buganda loyalists had initially insisted on holding the installation ceremony at the Nakasongola Boma grounds next to the Kabaka's palace, the police have advised them to hold the function inside the palace to avoid provocation and confrontation from Buruli cultural loyalists.
"The Buganda cultural leaders have been advised to hold their installation ceremony inside the Kabaka palace and not the Boma grounds as earlier planned," said police spokesperson Sam Twineamazima.
The Buruli cultural institution is opposed to the installation, citing the failure of Mengo to recognize their cultural independence.
"Our protest is not against Buganda electing and installing their chief in charge of Buruli County, but the failure by Mengo to recognize the cultural independence of the people of Buruli," explained Prime Minister Samuel Kasirye.
Tensions between the two groups have been simmering for years, with the Buruli cultural institution accusing Buganda Kingdom officials of undermining their cultural independence.
"Buganda Kingdom officials believe that the people of Buruli have an inferior culture and lack particular cultural identity unlike the people of Buganda," said Jane Nakityo, a resident of Budyebo County.
Despite the protests, the Buganda Kingdom is proceeding with the installation ceremony, with newly appointed Chief Robert Ssonko dismissing the threats to disrupt the function. "We are aware of the planned protests and attempts to try and stop our function by the Buruli cultural institution leaders on December 14.
This function will be presided over by the Katikiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda Kingdom Charles Peter Mayega at the King’s palace in Nakasongola Town Council. We are not ready to abandon our plans for installation," he said.
