Mengo, Clan Leaders Clash Over Meeting with President Museveni

Summary:

• Clan members sought permission to visit the Kabaka in Namibia, where he has been receiving medical treatment since April.
• Mengo leadership distanced themselves from the meeting, labeling attendees as self-seekers.

---

The Mengo establishment has disassociated itself from a June 8 meeting between some Buganda Kingdom clan leaders and President Museveni, held at State House Entebbe. This meeting was a continuation of last year’s discussions, where the President had gifted the clan leaders a 2.2-acre piece of land and promised its development.

Background and Developments:

During the meeting, which was led by ICT State Minister Ms. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo, the President addressed the clan leaders on topics such as wealth creation. However, Mengo officials stated that they were not informed about this gathering.

Ms. Ssebuggwawo confirmed the meeting and revealed that one of the primary concerns raised was obtaining clearance to visit the Kabaka in Namibia. Due to security protocols, the clan leaders had been unable to see the Kabaka, who has been unwell since April. They requested President Museveni’s intervention to secure the necessary permissions from the Namibian authorities.

Statements from the Clan Leaders:

Ngaali clan leader Mawesano Deus Kyeyune, who was part of the delegation, confirmed the meeting and detailed that they had presented a joint statement to President Museveni. They reminded him of his previous promises, including funding their savings Sacco and providing updates on the Kabaka’s health. The President assured them he would look into the Kabaka’s condition, though he admitted he lacked detailed information at that time.

Reactions from Mengo:

Mengo’s leadership, represented by the head of clan leaders Mr. Augustine Kizito Mutumba, criticized the attendees of the meeting, asserting that they did not represent the broader interests of the kingdom. He reiterated that Mengo was not aware of, nor had it sanctioned, the meeting.

Previous Engagements:

This marks the second engagement between the clan leaders and President Museveni. In August of the previous year, the same group had met with the President and requested him to purchase land for them. This request faced criticism from Mengo. The land in question is situated in the Lubaga Division near Bulange, Mengo, and the leaders expressed intentions to construct two commercial buildings, including a cultural resource center and a theater.

President Museveni had pledged to have the buildings constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and committed Shs200 million to the Bataka Sacco.

The clash between Mengo and the clan leaders over their interactions with President Museveni highlights ongoing tensions within the Buganda Kingdom regarding the best approach to governance and development. As the situation evolves, the kingdom’s leadership and clan representatives will need to find common ground to ensure the well-being and unity of their people.