It is no longer a secret that a group of clan heads from the Buganda Kingdom met with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday, discussing various issues, including the health condition of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. The meeting, which took place at State House Entebbe, was attended by selected clan heads who underwent COVID-19 testing at a private facility before the meeting.
In an exclusive interview with TV10GanoMazima, Omutaka Woyo, the clan head of Amazzi g’ekisasi, revealed that during the meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President offered guidance on how to address the issues discussed, including the health condition of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. Omutaka Woyo confirmed that the President provided direction on how to navigate the sensitive matters, indicating a willingness to support the Buganda Kingdom during this challenging time.
According to our sources, Owekitiibwa Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo led the delegation of clan heads who met with President Museveni, and a prominent clan head revealed that the Kabaka’s health issue was the top priority on the agenda.
The clan heads reportedly asked President Museveni about his knowledge regarding the Kabaka’s whereabouts, which sparked a lengthy discussion on the matter. The meeting aimed to address the concerns and uncertainty surrounding the Kabaka’s health and location.
A clan head addressed President Museveni, “Your Excellency, as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief, we are aware that you have knowledge of the whereabouts of your younger brother, Kabaka Mutebi.
We were initially informed that the Kabaka was resting in Namibia, but we have now received information suggesting that he is receiving medical treatment in one of his palaces within the country.” This statement suggests that the clan heads are seeking clarity and transparency regarding the Kabaka’s location and health status, and are looking to the President for answers.
President Museveni responded to the clan heads’ inquiry by stating that he had only recently become aware of Kabaka Mutebi’s health issues through social media. He claimed that one of his aides informed him that people on social media were demanding to see the Kabaka, which is when he first learned of the monarch’s illness. This response suggests that the President was not aware of the Kabaka’s health issues until they were brought to his attention through online discussions.
President Museveni further stated that since the Kabaka’s health issue did not pose a threat to his government or the country’s economy, he chose not to intervene and instead left the matter to the officials at the Mengo administration (the seat of the Buganda Kingdom) to handle. He also mentioned that he has not been actively following the developments regarding the Kabaka’s health since then, indicating a hands-off approach to the situation.
According to sources, the clan heads informed President Museveni that they had passed a resolution in their council to travel to Namibia to personally visit the Kabaka and obtain firsthand information about his health and well-being.
They expressed their desire to meet with the Kabaka directly, so they can return and brief their people, referred to as “their grandchildren”, about his condition. This move indicates that the clan heads are seeking to verify the information they have received and to show their support for the Kabaka during this challenging time.
The clan heads also requested assistance from President Museveni with transportation and accommodation arrangements for their trip to Namibia, which he agreed to provide.
The President designated one of his assistants to handle the logistics and facilitate their travel plans, ensuring a smooth journey for the clan heads to visit the Kabaka. This gesture suggests a willingness to support the Buganda Kingdom and the clan heads in their efforts to connect with their monarch.
Despite President Museveni’s agreement to assist the clan heads with travel arrangements, TV10GanoMazima has learned that the Buganda Kingdom cabinet, led by Premier Charles Peter Mayiga, has yet to deliberate on whether to permit the clan heads to travel to Namibia to visit the Kabaka. This indicates that the decision to allow them to go is still pending, and the clan heads may not be able to proceed with their plans until the cabinet makes a decision.
The Bataka before meeting the President they passes resolutions from their executive meeting and the following points were agrred on as a team that they send a delegation to Namibia:
– Omutaka Augustine Kizito Mutumba, the Kkobe clan head and speaker of the Kingdom clan heads council, confirmed that a resolution was passed to send a delegation to Namibia.
– The delegation will include three clan heads, including Mutumba himself, Omutaka Fredrick Lutakome Kayiira Gajule, and Omuttaka Kasujja.
– The purpose of the trip is to check on the health of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, who is rumored to be receiving medical treatment in Namibia.
– The clan heads have directed each clan to contribute Shs1m to facilitate the trip, but the Royal Clan has protested, arguing that the Kingdom administration should cover the costs.
– The move is seen as a bid to get a firsthand account of the king’s health, amidst rumors and speculation.
Omutaka Augustine Kizito Mutumba revealed that the clan heads have begun mobilizing funds for their trip to Namibia, with each clan being asked to contribute one million shillings (approximately $250 USD) to support their travel costs. This collective effort aims to enable the three clan heads to visit the Kabaka and ascertain his well-being, emphasizing the importance of this trip for the Buganda Kingdom.
The Buganda Kingdom’s 52 clans are facing a financial request to contribute Shs52m each to facilitate a trip to Namibia to visit Kabaka Mutebi. However, the Royal clan has objected, insisting that the Kingdom administration should cover the costs, given the revenue generated from Kingdom properties, particularly land.
Despite their determination to travel, social media reports suggest that Kabaka may be transferred to another African country for privacy reasons. If the clan heads are unable to travel, they may join Professor Badru Kateregga, a Kingdom parliament representative, who was denied permission to visit the Kabaka in the hospital. Kateregga believed that the King’s recovery would be aided by seeing his people and even suggested using local medicine from Buganda bushes to supplement his treatment.
Mayiga, the Kingdom premier, rejected Kateregga’s request, citing the need for medical authorization. Former Premier Joseph Ssemogerere reported that the Kabaka is recovering and has spoken with him via Zoom.
The clan heads also discussed land eviction issues with President Museveni, who promised to support their development plans and provide Shs200m to their SACCO to fight poverty.
The Kingdom spokesperson, Israel Kitooke Kazibwe, denied knowledge of the meeting, while the speaker of the clan heads council, Mutumba, stated that they have no issue with meeting the President. Tensions between Mayiga and clan heads over their meeting with Museveni without permission remain, with a mediation committee established to resolve the issue.
