Members of the Conservative Party (CP), led by Party President and Rubaga South Parliamentary aspirant John Ken Lukyamuzi, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, at Bulange, Mengo.
During the visit, Lukyamuzi formally introduced the party's presidential flagbearer, Elton Joseph Mabirizi, and outlined key issues the CP plans to focus on in the forthcoming political season.
He emphasized that since its inception, the CP has anchored its political philosophy on pursuing a federal system of governance, thanking the Buganda Kingdom for consistently championing the same principle.
The Katikkiro explained the true essence of federalism, describing it as a system that shares power in a way that allows each region to manage its own affairs without fragmenting the nation.
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He cited Belgium and Switzerland as successful examples of federal states that have prospered through decentralized governance and expressed confidence that Uganda could achieve accelerated development under a similar arrangement.
Mayiga applauded the Conservative Party for advocating federalism and urged Mabirizi, if elected president, to allow regions autonomy in managing local affairs.
He questioned the current practice of the central government providing vehicles for cultural leaders, arguing that regions like Teso or Lango are capable of determining and financing the needs of their traditional leaders independently.
"Let every region manage its own affairs and decide for itself. Do not tie cultural leaders to the central government. Allow communities to determine what is best for them," Mayiga said.
The Katikkiro encouraged the party not to be discouraged by its relatively small numbers, stressing that consistency, discipline, and adherence to core principles would eventually attract more Ugandans to their cause.
Mabirizi told Mayiga that the visit aimed to seek blessings from Buganda during the critical election period, reaffirming that federalism remains central to their 2025 electoral agenda.
Reflecting on the CP's history since the 1980s under leaders such as the late Mayanja Nkangi, he noted that despite political challenges, the party has remained committed to its longstanding principles.
"This time, we come seeking the goodwill and blessings of Buganda so that we may successfully take on the national leadership responsibilities that lie ahead," Mabirizi said.
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The Katikkiro was accompanied by Buganda's Minister for Lukiiko, Information, Cabinet Affairs, Protocol, and Official Kingdom Spokesperson, Noah Kiyimba.
