The newly constituted leadership committee (Lukiiko) of Kyaggwe County (Ssaza) faces backlash from a faction of the National Unity Platform within Mukono Municipality.
The controversy arose following mid-April 2024 reshuffles by the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom- Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. These reshuffles were announced through Charles Peter Mayiga, the Buganda Premier.
Among the appointments was Vincent Matovu, a seasoned academician and proprietor of Our Lady of Africa School, who was designated to lead Kyagwe County as Ssekiboobo (a title given to the head of Kyagwe County).
This week, the new Ssekiboobo constituted a competent executive committee to ensure effective leadership. Other members of the committee include;
-First Deputy Ssekiboobo-Moses Ssenyonjo
-Second Deputy Ssekiboobo-Fred Katende
-Speaker-Jonathan Ntulume
-Secretary-Naome Namigadde
-Assistant Secretary-Catherine Adoi
-Treasury-Aisha Lutale
What further steers controversy is the appointment of the Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament-Betty Bakireke Nambooze’s former political aide, Joseph Bbomboka.
Bbomboka reportedly parted ways with Nambooze a few months ago due to inadequate payment.
His (Bbomboka) appointment further escalated a serious exchange on social media, particularly on a WhatsApp forum called ‘Mukono Municipality’ created and managed by Nambooze’s son.
The persistent discord on social media highlights the growing tension between the new county leadership and a segment of NUP supporters who feel marginalised by the recent changes.
The Ssaza communication officer, Robert Namugera, maintained his position on the new committee by posting the list of elected members. “Ssabasajja Kabaka asimye nalonda…’ translating ‘The king, in his wish, has appointed…’
But some NUP supporters, led by Nambooze’s son- Jeffrey Kisawuzi, confronted Namugera arguing the statement was demeaning since the Kabaka was out of the Kingdom.
In his defence, Namugera asked the group to avoid village excitement (akajanja) but at this stage Nambooze, herself, interjected and told Namugera to watch his mouth.
In Buganda’s traditions, decisions made by Kabaka’s officials are considered to be legit and made on his behalf, regardless of whether the Kabaka is present in the Kingdom or not.
However, in Buganda’s cultural context, if the news being conveyed is unfavourable, officials or subjects take responsibility and acknowledge causing sadness by saying locally, ‘Gutusinze nyo ssabasajja,’ which means ‘We are guilty our King.’
Someone who tries to change these traditions and norms due to personal pride or ambition is often considered an adversary of the King.
Some analysts in Mukono have observed that not all NUP supporters are opposed to the new leadership particularly those aligned with the current Mukono Municipality legislator’s faction.
According to the analysts, the MP is reportedly displeased about the newly appointed committee as it was formed without her influence.
During the tenure of the previous Ssekiboobo, Elijah Bogeere, Nambooze had two of her political aides appointed to the Ssaza committee while influencing the Ssekiboobo’s decisions.
Since the appointment of the new one, Nambooze’s faction has allegedly been spreading information suggesting that the new Ssekiboobo is incompetent and lacks a people-person ability.
Nonetheless, other analysts say Nambooze had a falling out with the Katikiro (Mayiga) long ago which has compelled her to openly criticise his leadership strategies and abilities.
This is evidenced on the recent NUP mobilisation tour where she criticised Buganda officials for prohibiting them (NUP) leaders and other subjects from asking the whereabouts of the Kabaka, yet they are also Baganda.
END
English 