Kampala — THE Buganda Kingdom has ruled out using violent means while pursuing its aspirations. The Katikkiro, Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi, yesterday said the kingdom had not closed the door to talks with the Government.

"It is not true that we have closed the door to talks with the Government. We want to assure you that the door is still open. We still believe that our differences can be ironed out through discussions," Walusimbi said during a press conference yesterday. Walusimbi was refuting reports published in a local tabloid that the kingdom planned a rebellion.

The kingdom and the Central Government have disagreed on a number of issues, including the Land Bill that was passed by Parliament last week. The kingdom also opposes the closure of its FM radio, the Central Broadcasting Services.

"We are a civilised institution.We do not use guns to get what we want. If there are some individuals planning a rebellion, it is not endorsed by Mengo," Walusimbi said. Walusimbi complained that the media reports were creating unnecessary tension and fear.

"It is unfortunate that at a time when mending relationships between Ugandans is very crucial, we see such misleading and tension-rousing reports coming out. We should not accept this to go on," he said, warning of legal action against the tabloid involved.

Walusimbi said there was hope that CBS would soon be open, adding that there was no need for anyone to hold a protest over the matter.

"The Government has established a committee comprising ministers and MPs to hold talks with the CBS directors on the re-opening of the radio. How then can one think of rioting when such a gesture has been extended," he said.

He also denied reports that Mengo had received funding from the Libyan government.

"I am not aware of any project between Mengo and Libya and I want to assure you that the Buganda Kingdom has not received a single shilling from Libya," Walusimbi said.

During the September riots that rocked many parts of Buganda, President Yoweri Museveni told Buganda MPs that he had reports that Libya president Muammar Gadaffi wanted to overthrow him using kingdoms.