By: TV10 Investigative Desk
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, is poised to undertake a significant cabinet reshuffle, sparking speculation about the future of Charles Peter Mayiga, the long-serving Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Buganda Kingdom. Although Mayiga has been a stalwart figure in the kingdom’s administration, rumors suggest that he may be exiting his position as part of the impending reshuffle.
It’s worth noting that Mayiga has survived previous cabinet reshuffles, including one in August 2023, where he retained his position as Katikkiro despite changes to other ministerial portfolios. However, the upcoming reshuffle is expected to be more extensive, with potential implications for the kingdom’s governance structure and policy direction.
As the Kabaka prepares to announce the changes, speculation is rife about the factors driving the reshuffle and the potential candidates to replace Mayiga. The development is being closely watched by observers of the Buganda Kingdom’s politics, who are eager to see how the changes will impact the kingdom’s relationships with the central government and other stakeholders.
A major cabinet reshuffle is looming in the Buganda Kingdom, with insiders suggesting it will happen before Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’ II’s birthday celebrations in April. This move is expected to see several ministers in Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga’s cabinet dropped.
Although Mayiga has overseen significant developments in the kingdom, his impending sacking, along with many ministers, is reportedly aligned with the kingdom’s changing circumstances. These include political challenges, disagreements with clan heads and the royal family, and numerous land cases involving the Kabaka.
The land cases, in particular, are said to have driven a wedge between the Kabaka and Mayiga, with the latter being blamed for their escalation due to his perceived arrogance. This development has significant implications for the kingdom’s governance and politics.
It’s worth noting that the Kabaka has the power to appoint and dismiss the Katikkiro and other ministers, as the head of the Buganda Kingdom. The kingdom’s administration is vested in the Katikkiro, who is responsible for overseeing the cabinet composed of ministers
The impending cabinet reshuffle in the Buganda Kingdom has sparked intense debate, with Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga’s leadership style and performance coming under scrutiny. Critics argue that Mayiga has centralized power, undermining the authority of cultural institutions like the Lukiiko (Buganda Parliament) and clan elders (bataka).
Some Baganda elders suggest that Mayiga’s arrogance has hindered the resolution of land disputes, which could have been addressed through existing kingdom institutions. They also accuse him of being “money-minded” and mismanaging funds collected for projects like Ettofaali and Amasiro.
However, Mayiga also has his supporters, who praise his competence and effectiveness in promoting projects like coffee farming, which have helped lift Kabaka’s subjects out of poverty.
The Kabaka’s dissatisfaction with Mayiga’s cabinet, particularly with under performing ministers, has fueled speculation about an imminent reshuffle. Palace sources indicate that Fred Mpanga and Apollo Makubuya are potential candidates to replace Mayiga, with the Kabaka seeking to appoint loyal supporters to maintain stability within the Mengo establishment .
Notably, this would not be Mayiga’s first removal from office. He was previously sacked in 2005 following controversy surrounding the regional tier government negotiations with President Museveni. With nearly 33 years of service to the kingdom, Mayiga’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his achievements and criticisms
