Madinah Tebajjukira
29 November 2008
Kampala — HIS election was in defiance of a Constitutional Court injunction, so the government does not recognise him as Kyabazinga.
Prince Edward Columbus Wambuzi Muloki was on November 1 elected to succeed his father, but has failed to unite the people of Busoga under him. Those opposed to him have been plotting to install their own kyabazinga.
On Friday, President Yoweri Museveni met leaders from Busoga region over the wrangles surrounding the Kyabazinga's election.
According to sources, Museveni denied supporting Muloki, saying he had been illegally elected.
"The Government does not recognise the new Kyabazinga, and he is not paid the monthly stipend like other cultural heads.
He disobeyed the court injunction, and he is imposing himself on the people of Busoga," a source quoted Museveni as saying.
Muloki was elected by seven out of 11 chiefs in disregard of a Constitutional Court injunction, which had suspended the election following a petition by two chiefs contesting a clause in the Busoga Constitution which says only five of the 11 chiefdoms can produce a king.
In the meeting held at State House, Nakesero, Museveni reportedly called for fresh elections based on an agreed Busoga Constitution and cultural norms.
"The election was null and void," Museveni reportedly said.
Born on June 4, 1973, to the late Alice and Henry Wako Muloki, he is the youngest son.
The seven chiefs reached a consensus and chose him on grounds that he was experienced because he was exposed to the day-to-day running of the kingdom affairs during his father's reign.
They also said he was Museveni's favourite and that would ensure good working relations with the Government, a claim that the President denied during the meeting.
"I am really hurt by reports by some people in Busoga that I and the Government support the current Kyabazinga. This is very unfortunate and damaging the image of the party," a source quoted Museveni as saying
Though the Constitution bars politicians from participating in cultural issues, Museveni said he was compelled to intervene because of the intensifying bickering over the matter.
Museveni, the source said, noted that the wrangles in the region had aggravated divisions in Busoga, which he said would affect the NRM.
Busoga is one of the NRM's strongholds and has a record of voting as a block. Sources said Museveni blamed the Busoga chiefs for failing to carry out their responsibilities amicably.
On the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) taking sides in the dispute, the President told them to stop dragging his name and the Government into Busoga's affairs.
NRM legislators and district chairpersons were among the leaders who attended the meeting, which started at 1:00pm and ended at 8:00pm. The MPs included Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga (Kamuli), Lukia Isanga Nakadama (Mayuge), Isaac Musumba (buzaya), Daudi Migireko (Butembe), Asuman Kiyingi (Bugabula South), and Nathan Igeme Nabeta (Jinja Municipality East).
MP Patrick Ochieng (Bukooli South) confirmed attending the meeting, but declined to reveal details. "It was a secret meeting. Ask State House officials for the details," he said.
Migereko also confirmed attendance, but refused to divulge the details.
Efforts to get a comment from Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi were futile as his phone was off.
Museveni, according to sources, said he would meet all the balangira (royals) next week and the heads of the 11 clans to unite and reconcile them. After the meeting, the leaders from the region will also meet the same group, before fresh elections.
The President reportedly said he would probe the royals who conducted the election.
The chiefs who chose Muloki were: Mukajjanga Luba of Bunyha, Wellingston Tabingwa of Luuka, Kisiki of Busiki, Badru Ntembe of Butembe, David Wakooli of Bukholi, Muloki of Bulamogi and Nanyumba of Bunyoli.
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