Kampala — Officially, it was supposed to showcase Buganda's tourism potential.

According to informed sources in Mengo, the just concluded Buganda Tourism Expo, held at the Kabaka's palace at Mengo, was supposed to silence Katikkiro J. B. Walusimbi's detractors, who have for long been critical of his rather cosy relationship with the Central Government.

The one-week expo, opened by Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda and closed by the Kabaka was, apparently intended to show the Kabaka's subjects what can be achieved, if Mengo saw the light and abandoned its rebellious ways, and instead co-operated with the Central Government to develop the kingdom.

So while the opposition, led by Democratic Party Supremo Ssebaana Kizito, went around showing the Kabaka's subjects how the proposed expansion of Kampala was going to weaken Mengo, Central Government officials, led by VP Gilbert Bukenya, were busy cleaning up the Kabaka's lake, while highlighting the Government's programmes to develop Buganda.

As if to show the Central Government's goodwill, the usually cash-strapped Ministry of Tourism was deeply involved in organising the expo, offering financial and other resources.

According to sources at Bulange, the Central Government's involvement in the Buganda tourism expo is the beginning of a drive to retake Kampala.