Kampala — President Museveni and Buganda king Ronald Mutebi have concluded an historic meeting at State House Entebbe.

This is the first in nearly four years that the principals are meeting and they agreed to hold regular talks to address sticking issues undermining their relationship.

The one-on-one discussion, described by officials as "fruitful and cordial," is viewed as the harbinger for repair of strained relations between Mengo and the central government.

The two authorities have been at loggerheads over demands by the kingdom for federal system of governance, proposed amendments to the land law and expansion of the Kampala city to include parts of other Buganda Districts.

Officials say the Kabaka arrived for the meeting at 11am and took a brief guided tour of State House before holding the private talks.

"I welcome His Highness to State House. We had good discussions," a State House statement quotes President Museveni as saying.

It adds: "I got some issues which His Highness had raised through an intermediary. We agreed to send our write up of the issues that will form a basis of continued dialogue until we reach a definite dialogue."

It is not yet clear what particular things the two leaders discussed. The statement, however, said the opening of the kingdom's Central Broadcasting Station (CBS) radio shut by the State during the violent September 10-12 riots was on the agenda.

On the other hand, the Kabaka reportedly says the maiden meeting was "constructive".

"There emerged the idea that we exchange our respective documents that will be studied thoroughly and take advice after consultations," Stat House says of the king's observation.

"This will form the basis of the first step to organised dialogue and the first step in organising our people. I thank the President for the fruitful discussions and look forward to more dialogue."

There appears to be a premium to the talks with State House saying "everything will be determined depending on the outcome of the private meetings".

Government's delegation included:-

Hon. Khidhu Makubuya, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Hon. Rose Namayanja (NRM Buganda Caucus)

Hon. Cosma Busima (Deputy Chief Whip, NRM

Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi (Youth, Central Region)

Gen. Salim Saleh (Presidential Advisor on Defence)

And Mr. Robert Ssebunya (Presidential Advisor on Buganda Affairs)

Kabaka's delegation included:-

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Engineer John B. Walusimbi

Prince David Wasajja

Bishop Emeritus Wilson Mutebi (Mityana)

Omutaka Nakirembeka Allen Waligo (Chairman, clan heads)

Ssemakalu-Kasujja

Ambassador William Matovu

Peter Mpanga (PPS/Kabaka), and

Ow'ekitibwa Aloysius Lubowa (former speaker of Buganda Lukiiko).