The five Buganda clan leaders who embarked on a diplomatic mission to Namibia to inquire about Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s well-being have achieved a symbolic triumph, successfully discharge their cultural obligations despite facing arbitrary restrictions that prevented them from directly consulting with the Ssabataka, the supreme head of all clans in Buganda. This development underscores the resilience of cultural protocols and the determination of traditional leaders to fulfill their duties, even in the face of adversity.
The five Buganda clan leaders who traveled to Namibia to inquire about Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s health have successfully fulfilled their cultural obligations, upholding the traditional responsibilities of their respective clans towards the Kabaka. As the symbol of unity and cultural heritage of the Baganda people, the Kabaka’s well-being is of great significance, and the clan leaders’ efforts demonstrate their commitment to preserving and honoring the cultural traditions of Buganda.
The five clan heads from Buganda – Eria Buzaabo Lwasi (Ndiga clan), Kasirye Mbugeramula (Nvuma clan), Deus Mawensano Kyeyune (Ngaali clan), Sheba Kakande Kibirige (Ngeye clan), and Godfrey Katende (Lugave clan) – were intercepted and arrested by Namibian police while en route to the Okonguarri health facility, approximately 12km away, where Kabaka Mutebi was receiving medical attention. They were taken to Outjo police station in Windhoek, over 700km from the facility, and detained for more than four hours.”
The Buganda monarchy is governed by a tripartite system, comprising three interconnected pillars: the Royal Family, the clan leaders, and the administration. The administration, headed by the Katikkiro, is responsible for executing decisions made by the first two pillars. Unlike the hereditary leadership of the Royal Family and clan leaders, the Katikkiro is an appointed official who serves at the discretion of the monarchy and can be dismissed at any time.
The Bataka’s trip to Namibia was met with opposition from the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who insisted that they seek his approval before traveling. However, the clan leaders appeared to disregard this requirement, asserting their autonomy and traditional authority, which predates the administrative role of the Katikkiro.”
The uncertainty surrounding the Kabaka’s health had fueled concern and apprehension among the people of Buganda. Furthermore, Katikkiro Mayiga’s perceived insensitive and flippant comments about the Kabaka’s condition, made in a joking and boastful manner, had exacerbated the anxiety and frustration felt by the Kabaka’s subjects, who were seeking accurate and respectful updates on their leader’s well-being.
“After the clan leaders refused to comply with Katikkiro Mayiga’s demands, he reportedly instructed the Namibian authorities to deny the clan leaders access to the Kabaka, effectively blocking their attempts to visit and inquire about their monarch’s health.”
The clan leaders, unaware of the potential consequences, sought help from Minister Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, inadvertently entangling themselves in a political web, as the minister’s allegiance lies with President Museveni, who has been accused of exerting influence over the Buganda kingdom’s affairs.
The clan leaders, accompanied by Minister Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, met with President Museveni and requested his assistance in facilitating their travel to Namibia to visit the Kabaka, effectively seeking his intervention in their quest to access their monarch.
According to reports, President Museveni acquiesced to the clan leaders’ request and provided financial assistance to cover their transportation costs to Namibia, effectively supporting their efforts to visit the Kabaka.
However, following the Namibian Police’s interception and refusal to allow the Bataka to meet with the Kabaka, President Museveni issued a statement from State House, distancing himself from the clan leaders’ trip, claiming he had no prior knowledge of their journey to Namibia and criticizing their actions as embarrassing to the country.
The Bataka’s attempted visit to the Kabaka in Namibia has brought to light allegations of Katikkiro Mayiga’s overreach and perceived attempts to consolidate power, corroborating longstanding complaints from the Royal Family and clan leaders that Mayiga has consistently obstructed their access to the Kabaka, sparking further tensions and concerns about the kingdom’s governance.
On the other hand, it is possible that Katikkiro Mayiga is being utilized to maintain the Kabaka’s distance from his prominent subjects, potentially to prevent the sharing of sensitive information. However, history has shown that individuals used for such purposes often meet with unfavorable consequences, suggesting a precarious situation for Mayiga and those involved.
According to reports from Namibia, the Kabaka has concluded his treatment at the Okonguarri health rehab facility and was expected to be discharged on July 15, 2024. However, unconfirmed sources suggest that plans are underway to transfer him to another country for a temporary period, followed by a potential secretive return to Uganda, possibly coinciding with a public event, such as the coronation anniversary, although this information remains unverified.
